House
of Commons.
Admiralty
Agent
Board
Trade
refuted last mail; that letter the Secretary of State's annual Despatch very warmly & his want of particulars in connection with me on the subject. The Present despatch is really an apology for the reticence of which I complained. With more than usual courtesy it truly acknowledges the interest I have shewn in the matter, and assures me that from the rules, copy of which has only just been received by the banks, it is clear that they are only tentative, and that care shall be taken to prevent any effect upon the interests of Hongkong by their operation.
The matter of this despatch is very unimportant, but I think that its time is well spent.
(Signed) J H Wake
307