No. 63. C. O.
Government House:
25 FEB 02
Hongkong, 19th February, 1902.
243
Sir,
With reference to my Despatch No. 19 of the 16th ultimo, and in continuation thereof, I have the honour to transmit for your information the enclosed copy of a further letter from His Majesty's Acting Consul-General at Canton relative to the proposed partial relaxation of the prohibition of the export of arms into China.
2. In view of the refusal, on the part of the foreign representatives in China, to allow such relaxation and the unfavourable attitude assumed with regard to the proposal by the Vice-Admiral Commanding-in-Chief, with whose views I am in agreement, I do not presume that you will be inclined to advise His Majesty to take any steps at present towards an alteration in the terms of the Final Protocol.
I have the honour to be,
Sir,
Your most obedient
Humble servant,
M.J. Gascoigne
Major-General,
Administering the Government.
THE RIGHT HONOURABLE
JOSEPH CHAMBERLAIN, M.P.,