550
equal force to
the present case, it being impossible for the Company to adhere in respect
of
one
cable, and at the same time to retain it's freedom of action in respect of another in juxtaposition to it.
It is true that the
Epeat Northern Telegraph Company
bound by
are.
the Convention. only in respect of
of
portion
their lines, but they have
two distinct systems, European
and
ar
-
extra - European, whilst
the Easter Extension Company have but one
an extra European
L
system. Consequently, to be on
equality in China with the Great Northern Company, whose
extra-European system is
uncontrolled
it is
the Convention,
by
that
my
10
necessary
Company should continue
abstain from formally entering
the
Convention.
Under these circumstances,
and having regard to the fact that Her Majesty's Government have already recognised the importance of the principle in = - volved in this question, I
venture to hope that Lord
Derby will
see
his
way
to
granting the Company's application for landing rights at Hongkong without insisting
A72
the condition.
suggested by Her Majesty's Postmaster -General.
Your
I have the honor to be
Sir,
most obedient servant
B. Vender
Chairman.