Hong Kong
336 Peyumpide Herne Bay Kent.
12 JAN 20
January 9th 1898.
UPT.
Rugh: Hon, Joseph Chamberlain.
J.P., M.P.,
to,
Sir,
RAFT.
Halcombe
958
99
Indexed
MINUTE.
Macnaghten 20/1
I most respectfully beg to solicit your kind consideration of the following matter.
Mr Lope, in Stongkong, was Inspector of Police and the late General Gordon's protégé, also Mr Stanton were dismissed the force without pension through their supposed complicity in certain gambling transactions. Of course I don't presume to question or comment upon their trial & condemnation but, with all due deference, I beg to state that both Mr Lope & Mr Stanton – particularly the former are personal friends of mine, & moreover during the China War Seven years I served in their favour in Sir Robert Hart their names were always prominently before the public as the most praiseworthy.
21 January 299
dirà clad
Mr Secretary Chamberlain to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 9th inst & to inform you in reply that the cases of Messrs Stanton & Lope have been very fully considered & that Mr Chamberlain cannot alter his decision in regard to the cases.