ABSTRACT
The abolition of the East India Company's monopoly produced uncertainty in Anglo-Chinese relations, and the British Trade Commission in China needed clear guidance from London. The Foreign Secretary's blank cheque allowed Captain Charles Elliot to experiment with a new China policy which lacked the explicit approval of the government in London. George Best Robinson refused to take Elliot's advice but then relented at his first opportunity as leader of the British trade delegation to have contact with the Chinese authorities. The internal turmoil caused by the Jardine incident was exacerbated by a larger conflict between Robinson and his subordinates. The internal dissension became so serious that Elliot accused Robinson of suspending him from office, a deed the Captain considered a violation of the 'King's Instructions'. The internal dissension was the key factor for reducing the size of the Trade Commission. The Trade Commission in China was one area that they could reduce without hurting their policy objectives.
