No.146.
Hongkong.
Sir,
C. O. 20743
N: 27 MAY 02/522
Government House,
Hongkong, 17th April, 1902.
I have the honour to inform you that I have received a Despatch from the Acting Consul at Kiukiang relative to the establishment in that port of a British Postal Agency.
2. Mr. Consul Clennell draws attention to the advantages which the introduction of a penny postage system would confer on residents at the port of Kiukiang and on visitors residing at Kuling, a summer resort some 14 miles distant. He at the same time submits for my consideration the question of the practicability of instituting British Post Offices at other Treaty Ports on the Yangtze, which at present have to rely on some other source for the forwarding and distribution of their mails.
3. The institution of Post Offices in China has of late years assumed a political bearing and it would be a matter for regret should this Government deny to its nationals postal facilities which other countries may take the opportunity of affording.
4. I have laid the matter before the Colonial Treasurer.
THE RIGHT HONOURABLE
JOSEPH CHAMBERLAIN, M.P.,
&c...