Differential attempts might thus be created in the Sandwich Islands in favor of the United States, and it would therefore be desirable to obviate such inconvenience, to renew the Treaty now in force for a further term of years.
The overture which you were instructed to make to you, may be reported as having afforded a proposal, and I shall be ready to consider any proposal which may be made to you as to the basis for such an arrangement.
Any further communication on this subject should be addressed to--
THE ASSISTANT SECRETARY,
STATE DEPARTMENT,
BOARD OF TRADE,
WHITEHALL, S.W..
And the following letter and number should be quoted in the communication, and marked plainly on the outside of the envelope, viz:--
M5949
RECEIVED
C:0: JUNE 23 1868
Board of Trade,
Whitehall, 22 June 1868.
"With reference to previous correspondence relating to the expenses incurred by Government of Hong Kong in respect of the conveyance of Distressed British Seamen from Manila to that Colony, I am directed by the Board of Trade...
[Under Secretary of State, Colonial Office.]