SIR,-
31.Houndsditch,
E.C.
C.0.
23164 708
30 NOV 22
Nov.29th.92.
HONG KONG.
We regret to inform you that we are in
a great dilemma respecting our shipment of bulk oil
to this Colony, the authorities there having insisted,
contrary to the opinion of our Engineer & Experts as
to its necessity, upon galvanized iron roofing to
cover the Tanks, the license to store being otherwise
withheld under pressure.
We have consented to this & telegraphed
to our Hong Kong friends yesterday, authorizing them
to proceed with the construction of the roofing. Our
steamer, however, will be ready to sail for Hong Kong
at the end of next month, and we regret to inform you
that we are just in receipt of a telegram from Hong
Kong in which they state that permission to fill the
Tanks cannot be given before the roofing has been
E.FAIRFIELD ESQ.,C.M.G.
Colonial Office,S.W.