FOREIGN OFFICE, 24th August, 1890.
Sir:-
In the Consular Report for 1895 on the trade of Amoy it is stated that iron pans are made at Amoy, Swatow and Canton and are exported for use among the Chinese in the Strait Settlements and Hong Kong and it is suggested that they might be more cheaply supplied from Birmingham.
With reference to this passage the Birmingham Chamber of Commerce have asked whether samples of the pans in question could be procured; and I am directed by the Marquess of Salisbury to instruct you to communicate with your colleagues at the other ports mentioned above so that while excluding duplicates, specimens of the pans may be sent home.
When a selection of pans has been made, they should be sent to Her Majesty's Consul at Canton.
Amoy, Swatow,