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some $264,000, and the amount still remaining due to my Bank is
some $165,000 at date.
Some few weeks ago the coal was suddenly at-
-tached by the Chinese Government on account of embezzlements said
to have been effected by Mr. Chau Tung Shan or for which Mr. Chau
Tung Shan was responsible when occupying an official position in
Canton a number of years ago - on the pretext that Mr. Chau Tung
Shas had some interest therein and that the Chiness Government was
entitled to the coal in priority to any other claimants.
With Mr. K. Shewan I have seen Mr. Scott,
8. B. M's. Consul-General of Canton on the matter and he nas told
us that the Bank's proper course is to apply to you and that he
(the Consul) will assist the Government in pushing the Bank's claim
as much as he can.
My Directors feel that this seizure is a
very serious matter both in the interests of the bank and of all
British Merchants who possess any movable property in China, and
they ask the assistance of the Government and of the Home Authori-
-ties to uphold the band's rights to the coal and to the absolute
possession and disposition thereof unfettered by any claim the
Chinese Authorities may fancy they have in respect of Chau tung
Shan.
In view of the importance of the question
and the value of the property at stake by Directors would be glad
if His Excellency the Governor would be good enough to grant an
interview to Mr. Shewan and myself on the matter when we can give
him any further information he may desire.
I should perhaps mention that my Bank was
duly incorporated in London under the Home Acts and possesses a
London Branch and Board of Directors and that a large proportion
of its Capital is owned by British subjects not of Chinese race.
I have etc.,
(Sa.) G. C. Moxon, Managing Director,
For the National Bank of China, Limited,