of Hong Kong of whose present... and ultimate importance to British interests I fear conception is even but aw imperfect.. entertained by Her Majesty's Government. I do trust that, if Mr. Wade suggests as he states this extraordinary resolution as a Peace offering to the feelings of the Chinese Government which he says was "nettled" at the rejection of the Convention of 1869 - his future cashings about "may lead him to some more fortunate discovery of means more effective for soothing a race extremely ill calculated to appreciate or requite a generous sacrifice by us, not to mention such an ignominious and voluntary subjection of a British Executive and Merchants to an irresponsible set of Foreign Officials established in the midst of a British Colony.
17. In no case, I presume can Her Majesty's Government safely adopt Mr. Wade's advice without fully ascertaining the views of the leading Chinese firms in the matter - and I hope that such a Customs Board be allowed to be constituted unless conditions enabling the Governor to insist on dismissal of any member not ...