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the present Inspector General of Customs has a voice in the matter is unlikely as it is well understood that should China establish a separate Postal Department she is pledged to put a Frenchman at the head of it. Hong Kong is practically the only Administration that China can enter into partial union with but the terms must be fair and equitable threats should not be resorted to when threats are absolutely ridiculous.
Through the whole of these despatches from Peking official and semi-official there is an undercurrent of chicanery, cajolery and covert coercion that is childish and contemptible.
(Signed) W. C. H. Hastings.
14-7-99.