parsimony, timidity, or want of patriotic spirit are
allowed to prevail.
Trusting that your Committee will take up this
urgent question with the promptitude and vigour
needed to secure for it that immediate attention
so greatly desired here.
I am, &c.,
(Signed)
R. Chatterton Wilcox,
Chairman.
C. O.
7360 106
PE & MA. 041
FOREIGN OFFICE,
February 6th, 1904.
Sir:
I am directed by the Marquess of Lansdowne to ac-
knowledge the receipt of your letter of the 28th ultimo
in which you enclose a copy of a letter from the Hong-
Kong Branch of the China Association relating to the
opening of the port of Walchow and to the Kowloon-
Canton Railway.
With regard to the opinion expressed by the Hong-
Kong Branch, and shared by your Committee, that the
opening of the port of Walchow should not be deferred
until Article VIII of the Treaty of September 7th,
1902 has been accepted by the Treaty Powers, I am
to point out that, as the opening of that port forms
part of the consideration to be granted by the Chinese
Government in return for the payment of the surtax
under the above-mentioned Article, His Majesty's Govern-
The Honorary Secretary,
to the China Association,
159, Cannon Street,
E. C.
ment