Enclosure 2.
Colonial Secretary to Mr Howard.
[RECT
383
Colonial Secretary's Office, Hongkong
12th November, 1889.
571 of the 44th
In answer to your letter of this instant, I am directed by His Excellency the Governor to state that the Secretary of State has decided that Mr Stephens is not entitled to any compensation at the hands of Government in connection with his unsuccessful lawsuit or its consequences, but if it should appear that Mr Stephens is not in possession of as much land as his lease gives him, this will afford ground for adjustment by return of premium or reduction of rent or in such other way as may be just, and that His Excellency is ready at once to entertain the question.
Thos: Howard Esqr
Attorney for Mr Sophonba Hume-Cary