Despate from the Commul; it is not quite time to expect an answer, but it ought to come very soon as nearly a month has elapsed; & it seems a question whether we might not wait for it, "if it has not come already". 24 Dec:
We might suggest to the French Office to use its discretion in the matter of telegraphing, as perhaps Granville will answer one presently as well.
Zur. Deerle
It will be more satisfactory upon receipt of the reply from the Consul at Bangkok before taking further action.
...
It is requested that the reply to this Letter may be addressed to the Commercial Department, Board of Trade, London.
4018.
Office of Committee of ...
21 538
RECR
REGE 22 DEC 83
Privy Council for Trade.
48
21 December 1883.
Sir,
I am directed by the Board of Trade to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 15th inst and in reply I am to request you to inform the Earl of Derby that the Board of Trade concur in the opinion of the quite desirability of requesting the Foreign Office to obtain from H.M. Consul General at Bangkok a full report upon the subject of the spirit duties proposed to be levied in Siam, and more especially with reference to the relative alcoholic strength of the Java Hong Kong spirit.
At the same time I am to add...
Under Secretary of State Colonial Office.
fo. 20225