CONFIDENTI A L.
Hongkong
•November
1913.
R
sir,
Foo
38855
C. O.
712
45140
R 16 SEC 03!
Government House,
Hongkong, 13th. November, 1903.
MO
31292
sexys Eastern
With reference to your Confidential Des-
Tyla with
patch of the 9th. September and telegram of the 5th. instant,
I have the honour to inform you that before replying on a
matter which so closely affected the commercial interests of
the Colony I decided to ascertain, confidentially, the views
held by the British Members of the Chamber of Commerce. I
attach a copy of their reply, from which you will observe that
they are not in favour of any of the four proposals set forth
in the enclosures to your Despatch under acknowledgment, and
are anxious for the establishment of an accelerated service
which would ensure delivery of letters from England within
25 days.
السريع
0115
2.
I have consulted my Executive Council on
this subject, and their views concur with those of the British
Members of the Chamber. Both are of opinion, however, that if
this Colony has no option but to accept one of the proposals,
the fourth is the one which should be adopted.
3.
I telegraphed to you to this effect on
the 11th. Instant, adding that this Colony was prepared to take
its share in contributing to the increased subsidy which an
accelerated service would no doubt render necessary. I may
mention in addition that this Colony is by no means satisfied
with
THE RIGHT HONOURABLE
ALFRED LYTTELTON, M.P.,
&C..
800.
&C...