LONDON. 21st July 1897
189
The Earl of Selbourne
For private information
Lindselbane
As to Memo. sent to you regarding the fines Arising from the Commission appointed by the Govr of Hongkong re "Harbour Dues" & "Expenditure"; I read the terms of this Commission in the Hongkong papers a few days ago, and thought it the most foolish government action I had ever seen; as the government had already appointed the Commission, it seemed to me useless to comment at this stage. Its fate will probably be Solvuntur risu tabulae.
The despatch on this paper merely said that harbour receipts should balance harbour expenditure, & it is quite unnecessary to enquire into the ancient history of capital Expenditure, & all the other minutiae proposed to be referred to this Commission.
The only use of this ridiculous Commission will be to delay getting any answer to the despatch on this subject in time to have the matter settled before next year's Estimate.
When may a reply be expected to my despatch no. 64 of Eleventh May? It is necessary for decision on appointing Commission for enquiry.
Not until: pegropl wach; also.
327/7
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