No. 402.
Hongkong.
Sir,
C. O. 42136.
Government House, (14th 326).
Hongkong, 15th November, 1904.
I have the honour to inform you that the delay in replying to the question contained in your Circular Despatch of the 28th May, 1904, as to whether this Colony desired to become a party to the Paris Sanitary Convention, is due to the Executive Council having advised reference to the Chamber of Commerce, in view of the effect which the introduction of new regulations might have on the Shipping interest in the Colony, and to that Chamber having, after considerable deliberation, decided to ascertain what the neighbouring ports of Shanghai, Singapore, and Bangkok propose to do in the matter before they make any recommendation.
2.
I annex a copy of the letter in which the reference was made to the Chamber on the 8th September last, and I shall address you again on the subject when a final reply is received to that letter.
I have the honour to be, Sir,
Your most obedient Humble servant,
The Right Honourable
Alfred Lyttelton, K.C., M.P.,
&c., &c., &c.
Governor.
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