COPY.
No. 5.
Sir,
REC C.O. 3853 174
3 MAR 12
Inclosure No.1 to Despatch No. 45, of the 29th January, 1903.
General Post Office, Hongkong, 30th January, 1902,
I have the honour to transmit herewith, in original, a letter from H.B.M. Postal Agent, Amoy, acquainting me with the intention of the French Government to establish a Post Office at that Port from the 1st proximo.
It is stated that the building obtained by the local French Authorities for their Post Office is within the British Concession and has been rented from a Chinaman without his obtaining the required sanction of H.B.M. Consul, and that this matter had been taken notice of by the Consul.
The Postal Agent anticipates a loss of Revenue owing to the advantages that the French Post Office will possess should they obtain the site mentioned, and it may be incumbent on this Administration to take necessary action by transferring our Agency to the same quarter.
I am reporting this matter to Postmaster-General, London. I would, however, beg leave to suggest that His Excellency the Governor would be pleased to communicate the same to the Colonial Office.
The Honourable
The Colonial Secretary.
I have etc.,
(Sgd.) J. Cornwall Lewis,
for Postmaster-General.