39
of another; let us then make the most of what we have and not become chargeable with the folly of crying down or under-rating
the utility, the importance of Hongkong
on the
groundless supposition that the Colony will be "displaced by the opening up of China, or the still more fanciful idea that it will be found inimical to the policy of civilization."
59. I have only to add that the remarks I have just offered to Your Excellency's
notice are made in entire
347
ignorance of the intentions of The Secretary of State for
the Colonies with regard to
Hongkong and its future Government, which will probably
be known to us in the course of the ensuing month.
I have, &c.,
(Sig.) W. F. Mercer,
Colonial Secretary.
(True Copy.)
Colonial Secretary.