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inform them that it is quite impossible for His Majesty's Government to make any representations to the Russian Government on their behalf upon the present material.
In any event Lord Lansdowne would desire to satisfy himself that the company is in reality a British concern and represents British interests before he could support their claim and, in view of the foreign name and the foreign appearance of the accounts which have been supplied, I am to suggest, for the consideration of the Secretary of State for the Colonies, that the Governor of Hongkong might be requested to make enquiries and furnish a report as to the constituent elements of the Company.
I am,
Sir,
Your most obedient,
humble Servant,
Shilpebell