In view of this Imperial Line bring
17
made which would give an alternative
route to the existing HongKong-Shanghai cable we propose to extend our lines from Hongkong to Canton
which we believe we art entitled to do under
the permission of 1870. We have however formally applied for the consent
of the Chinese Govern-
ment and as soon as it is nceived will
be prepared to lay the Cable. Our system (which brings China
into contact with the
whole civilized world)