44.
1
I suggest that, in accordance with the Order which Major General Colborne has doubtless issued, the application for the payment of the Military Contribution should be transmitted in the manner referred to.
It is, of course, wholly unimportant to this Government as to what practice should be adopted regarding the payment of the Military Contribution or other financial transactions, and the above suggestion is made simply out of deference to the wishes of the Major General Commanding.
I have … (signed) Cecil C. Smith
Acting Colonial Secretary
437
77
Control Office, Hongkong
April 28. 1875.
I have the honor to acknowledge that I am aware of your letter of yesterday's date and to inform you that the Major General Commanding the Troops has desired that communications which it may be necessary for me to make to the Colonial Government, in connection with Military Control affairs, should be sent through his Military Secretary. But I beg to assure you,
Honorable
Mr Acting Colonial Secretary