Government House, HongKong, 19th October, 1899.
Sir,
In reply to your despatch No. 163 of the 25th August last, I have the honour to transmit for your information the enclosed précis on the subject of the overpayments to the Peninsular and Oriental Steam Navigation Company together with copies of the correspondence noted in the annexed list.
2. Owing to the fact that the letter of the Postmaster-General No.478 of 2nd June 1888 is perhaps ambiguously worded and that it was not revoked at the end of 1894 on the adoption of the new system, I concluded with the advice of the Attorney-General that it would not be expedient to press the matter and that the compromise offered by the P.& O. Company should be adopted.
I have the honour to be,
The Right Honourable JOSEPH CHAMBERLAIN, M.P., &C.
Your Most Obedient Humble Servant,
HENRY ARTHUR BLAKE GOVERNOR &C.
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