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party
So that any Sem = Clence of opposition might be avoided. In reference to this subject I have to observe that it is in accordance with the Regulations of the Colonial Office to give a paraphrase of a Cypher telegram and not the exact words.
With respect to the acceptance or non-acceptance of the invitation given to yourself, it should have been remembered that the dinner in question could not be regarded as ordinary social entertainment and that your non-attendance would certainly be looked upon as a public act, indicating either official disapproval of the policy of the Governor or that of personal relations to him, or both.
Moreover, on such an occasion as Her Majesty's Birthday, your absence was liable to be interpreted as an act of disrespect to the Sovereign and entailed the risk of your conduct being viewed in a light entirely opposed to those principles of loyalty by which His Royal Highness feels strongly actuated.
You seek to justify your refusal of the invitation to Government House by referring to Sir J. Pope Hennessey's non-acceptance of invitations.