C.O.
18243
605
Enclosure 2.
TELEGRAM
B
....
From the Officer Administering the Government, Hongkong, to His Britannic Majesty's Minister, Peking, dated 21st April, 1904.
In reply to your telegram of yesterday's date facts are as follows:- Rates of wages offered by Mines and other terms of contract not affected by Regulations; still under discussion, have been advertised but no final contracts have been made with labourers nor any shipped from Hongkong or elsewhere and recruiting at standstill. As I understand before first shipment it will be necessary for British Government & Chinese Government agree as to regulations as they must be explained to labourers before completing contract. Is it a fact that regulations have been referred to Peking, Confirmation? When may we expect matter finally settled? Settlement at an early date urgently required.