I have to settle into.
It is required to obtain from the most intelligent and trustworthy gentlemen of Oriental race in these colonies, and from those officials, medical men, etc., who are conversant with the places.
2. As regards Shanghai and the other Treaty Ports of China, to request gentlemen to inform the Chairman of the Royal Commission that it is not in Lord Ripon's power to obtain information from merchants most conversant with the places, answers to a series of printed questions, and suggest that a reference should be made to the Colonial House to procure circulars/Colonial Office in China.
3. But on receipt of the interrogatories, his Lordship will be prepared to instruct the Governor of Hongkong to circulate them in the proper quarters, and arrange for their collection; and on the circulation of the Hongkong interrogatories in the Colony.
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4. If, however, anything beyond this is contemplated, Lord Ripon fears that it would be difficult to form local Commissions which would, in a reasonable time, collect evidence that would be satisfactory to the Royal Commission, and in his Lordship's opinion, it would be better if the Royal Commission itself could make the necessary inquiries.