Viceroy to approach it in the matter.
Sir E. Satow
Bugb to 5732
adds that the only other British bank in the Far
East is the Chartered Bank of India, Australia and
China which hitherto has done but little Government
loan business, and in these circumstances he sug-
gests that this country should advance the money.
As Mr. Lyttelton is aware there is no pros-
pect of such a proposal being favourably entertained
by the Lords Commissioners of the Treasury, but
before informing Sir E. Satow to this effect Lord
Lansdowne would be glad to know if, in Mr. Lyttel-
ton's opinion, it would be worth while to ascertain
whether the Government of HongKong would entertain
the idea of assisting the Viceroy.
The importance attached by the Colony to the
exercise by this country of control over the Hankow-
Canton Railway was shown in the despatches from
the Officer Administering the Government of that
Colony which were forwarded in your letters of Feb-
February 4th and April 22nd, 1904.
I am,
Sir,
+
Your most obedient
humble Servant,
Hi Campbell
* Cos: 3496 1 5732.
ruary
23
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