On the other side Peking has informed us on April 8 that Consulships tell R. Hart wishes to inform you that though former negotiations with Hongkong were unfavourable to opinions nevertheless the stations on the islands (near Hong Kong) collect large revenues in general merchandise & their sudden withdrawal will seriously affect financial loans and cause financial embarrassment.
The stations at Changchow and Fotowchow are on the island about 5 miles away from Hong Kong. It hopes that H.M.G. will see fit to allow these stations to function there until October next, by which time it expects to have new stations built and the telegraph service reorganised.
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