Sie. E. Roger
The rule laid down
in the book of
Regulations (Clause 38) refers only
to Governors, the
from being
precluded
from accepting
Presents. At the same
time I have
been led to understand that
Officers are discouraged
from accepting presents
of a valuable or princely
kind. I know as an Officer
to whom the objection would
apply, I should
at the time I had
the impression that
the acceptance
of such presents was
indeed called for & yours
was a case in point.
Hong Kong 8th July 1867
B
7. 4. Adams To Po
MINUTE
With reference to your
letter dated the 10th of June last,
respecting certain articles presented to
you by a Deputation
representing the Chinese mercantile Community of Hong Kong, immediately before your departure from the
Colony on leave of absence,
I am directed to state that
the Duke of Newcastle is
not surprised at the
assertion contained
in your letter. His Grace
does not consider it necessary
that the presents so received should,
in the present instance, be returned.
But I am to state that
the Duke of Newcastle considers that the Eastern custom of giving presents to Public
Officers must be viewed with
circumspection under
the circumstances
in which you, as a
Judge, accepted them.