Singapore.
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that the Imperial Government of China should be assisted in
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8.
I have also been given to understand that an attempt will be made to question the legality, if not of the Proclamation itself, of the details which I have reported my purpose to grant for export of munitions was for the use of the Government I
9. There permits were resolved on with a twofold object; 1. to carry out what, partly from your despatch but more from knowledge of General Staveley's action under Sir Frederick Bruce's direction, I gather to be the intention of Her Majesty's Government; viz:- that every obstacle should be presented to its purchasing arms. 2. to offer relief in some degree, greater or less, to the Mercantile Community, who might complain of injury to their interests by no time having been given for them to receive and dispose of their orders or to countermand them.
10. Had much time been given, it would have amounted to an invitation to import, sell and profit by all arms within reach and to induce the Rebels by a representation of the fact to avail themselves of
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