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All repels dipping passengers or Emigrants from Chinese ports it would manifestly be an humane improvement in the interest of the Chinese, and a benefit to British Shipping!
Secondly, in regard to Your Lordship's inquiry (vide despatch No. 20th November, 1867) and my reply (No. 218 of 27th January, 1868), Sir R. Alcock must, therefore, have been in possession of all details connected with the subject as far as it was possible to do so.
As to whether I have received any communication from Sir Rutherford Alcock on the subject, I have to state that no reply from him has yet reached me.
I enclose copy of the letter which I addressed to him on the 29th January 1868. Your Lordship will perceive that I had already transmitted to him full copies of the Secretary of State's dispatch to Sir R. Alcock relative to the general negotiations respecting Coolie Emigration from China.
As I notice in Mr. Hammond's letter of the 4th April last (No. 5428-68) that instructions after long discussions with the French Government had been sent on the 6th December 1867 to Sir R. Alcock, I shall be much obliged if Your Lordship will cause early information to be sent to me as soon as convenient as to the progress of those negotiations.
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