therefore be out of my power to send them whatever the emergency.
I have the honor to be,
Sir,
Your obedient servant
Synet J.R. Sargent.
Major-General Commanding
China & Straits Settlements.
Sir,
527
C O. 20
RECP
H.M.S. Victor Emanuel
As Hong Kong, 30th October 1883.
With reference to the concluding portion of Your Excellency's letter of yesterday's date, I would observe that although unable at present to arrange for the conveyance of Troops to Canton, in one conveyance, of Her Majesty's Ships, the usual transport can be provided on requisition should it be absolutely necessary to send them, and the senior naval Officer at Canton would in such case, be directed to co-operate with the Military Officer in command for the protection of British interest.
His Excellency,
Major General Sargent,
Commanding H.M. Forces,