CONFIDENTIAL.
Hongkong
Goverment House,
C. O. 710/2193
20 J. 041
Hongkong, 16th May, 1904.
Sir,
I had the honour to receive your telegram of the 7th instant and to send you in reply the telegram of which a paraphrase is enclosed.
2. Previous to the incident referred to in these telegrams the Russian Consul had, perhaps in ignorance but probably in the natural desire to obtain what advantages he could for his Government, remonstrated more than once in interviews with both the Colonial Secretary and myself against this Government permitting the export of foodstuffs to Japan.
I have the honour to be,
THE RIGHT HONOURABLE
ALFRED LYTTELTON, K.C., M.P.,
Sir,
Your most obedient
Humble servant.
Officer Administering the Government.