Permission having been granted to a W. Caldwell and the charterers or owners of a foreign steamer, the "South Western", trade regularly at a non-treaty Port named Hoihow in Hainan.
Jam x
(Signed) J. R. Robertson
2.9.85 Sir,
In 60581
Hong Kong, 23.2.1875
The enclosed letter from the Customs master of this port has been answered to the effect that clearances for Kuing chow may be granted to the ships of any treaty Power.
This conclusion is arrived at on a reading of the Treaty which is I believe our only guide in the matter and which opens Kuing chow to trade. There is also, if I may be allowed, a precedent in the case of Junk "Namony" in Tien-tsin which was requeted by repels before a British Consul was appointed.
Dr. Rutherford Alcock, K.C.B.
B.