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in this Colony of ascertaining the exact truth on the subject. Accordingly felt it to be my duty to ask by telegraph for instructions from Your Lordship. From your reply it appears that there is no immediate cause for alarm; and that you wish the remaining Government deposits (still amounting to one hundred and eighty-seven thousand ($187,000) dollars) to be withdrawn gradually, and remitted to the Crown Agents in England. The enclosed letter to the Manager of the Oriental Bank at Hongkong (Enclosure 2) is in accordance with these instructions.
It will be perceived, however, that I have directed that it should be made clear that the action of my Government is subject to your Lordship's confirmation. I request that I may be informed by telegraph if you shall desire to modify these instructions when the despatch reaches your hands.
There the honourable
the Lord,
your Lordship's obedient servant,
H. Bowen