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China, add to your embarrassment at Hong Kong by withholding my sanction through to an appointment from Tekes, and averse to the extension of the Civil Establishment of the colony.
A Warrant in favor of Mr. Caldwell will, according to ... transmitted to you immediately. I have however to observe that though the Ordinance constituting the appointment of a Registrar General at Hong Kong has been confirmed by the Queen, it has failed to discover any authority for styling him also General Interpreter to the Government.
You will remember that the Office of Interpreter was conferred on Mr. Grandpre, at your suggestion, in 1855, and it is very desirable to keep the respective duties of the Public Officers distinct.
I have to inform Mr. Caldwell that he will receive a salary of ... hundred per annum.
... Better omit the passage about the Warrant. The Establishment of the Office is complained of as being illegally established by the Ordinance, which imposes on that Officer the duty of "Protector to the Chinese Inhabitants."
The issue of a Commission with rather stamp the Office as a permanent one is specially guarded against.
Ja...