and
I regret to inform you that Mr. Griffith has addressed a communication to the Governor of Hong Kong, stating that due to certain proceedings taken by the Authorities in Hong Kong, the Governor had found it necessary to withdraw the provisional recognition granted to Mr. Burrows to act as Consul in the Colony.
I regret that I cannot depart from the decision come to in this matter, which has been formally communicated to you, of which you were doubtless unaware when you made to me the request to which I have now the honor of replying.
But with regard to the appointment of Mr. Silas Burrows Jun. as Consul at Hong Kong, vice Mr. Burrows, I shall lose no time in ascertaining from the Secretary of State for the Colonial Department whether there is any objection to the issue of Exequatur in his case.
I return the Commission of Mr. Burrows herewith, and I have,
etc. etc. etc.
Johnston.
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