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of paramount political or commercial importance, you will, when reporting to me, also keep the Governor of Hong Kong fully informed, particularly with regard to action rendered necessary to you in respect of matters affecting that Colony.
By my telegram, Secret, of the 12th instant, I informed you of the report that the French were meditating a coup in South China, and instructed you to telegraph to the Foreign Office and to me any trustworthy information procurable as to their present or contemplated action.
This is particularly a case where the Governor should be kept apprised of event passing at Canton, and I request that, on receipt of this despatch, you will address a communication to Sir Henry Blake, stating that you have received directions from me in the above sense, and will do your utmost for the future to keep up close correspondence with his Excellency's Government for the information of his Excellency and the advantage of the public service.
I leave it entirely to your discretion what should be thus communicated to the Governor, and content myself with this general instruction to your Consulate-General,
I am, &c.
(Signed)
ERNEST SATOW.