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almost before it can reach England, this dispatch, which contains a faithful report of the views held at the present time by those best qualified to judge - respecting the questions of vital importance to which I have referred. Still, seeing that I have been in frequent communication with the Minister of France, M. Incon, and with several persons, both English and of other European nations, who are thoroughly familiar, through long residence, with China and the Chinese; Alleging, Moreover, that Hong Kong is as important as Gibraltar for Spain, and that the trade and interests of this colony must be seriously affected by the threatened hostilities, I have considered it to be my duty to lay the above observations, for what they may be worth, before Your Lordship.
I have the honor to be, My Lord,
Your Lordship's Most Obedient,
Humble Servant
J. M. Bowen
P.S. I annex another well-informed article.