the Currency of Hong Kong, and although they wrote again to your department in October last, they have not since thought it desirable to call further attention of the subject, because they did
not think it expedient to adopt any new regulation regarding the currency during the process of the war, which might have the effect of disturbing the arrangements for the payment of the troops, at a time when, from their movements in the field, new complications may arise, the monetary principles of which are uncertain
and anomalous, which might be more difficult to adjust, if the Government Accounts were on a Colonial basis of currency.
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My Lords are, however, fully sensible of
the great inconvenience and loss to Government which arises from the present mixed currency system
at Hong Kong, and they repeat that the question was not considered by the Secretary of State for the Colonies, as requested by this Board, before the commencement of the War.
I am, Lord,
Your obedient servant
My
VADE