Mr. Antrobus
The 7-0. the matter doesn't really concern us now. I am asked to deal with them. I should not take it to the Treasury unless it is left to us to think about it.
The whole question of the existence of these Postal Agencies has been discussed between the C.O. & the Treasury. The point raised by the hon. Member will receive further consideration. We ought then to ask the Treasury whether, in connection with the general question on H.M. guarantee to guarantee the deficit, if we are prepared to work out this agency (now guaranteed by the Chamber of Commerce), saying that we cannot find justification for saddling Hong Kong with the cost.
Suggest to the Treasury that they should refer to CLO above. Wht. Mch.b. I have so done so.
LALLOC ansun fre Mi Bradbury BHR 10 Mer
THE UNDER SECRETARY OF STATE FOR THE COLONIES CHURCHILL, Manchester, N.W. The question of the maintenance of postal agencies is now being discussed between the Colonial Office and Treasury, and the point raised by hon. Member will receive consideration.
Reply as proposed 26.3.
DRAFT.
The Secretary, Treasury
MINUTE.
Mr. Stubbs 14/8 Mr. Fiddes. 16 Mr. Just. Mr. Antrobus. 20 +Mr. Cox. Mr. Lucas. Sir F. Hopwood. Mr. Churchill.
Hong Kong. Hoje.
20. fo.
The Earl of Elgin.
24506 Ans. 12471 8075
Sir,
24 March 08.
I was asked in the House of Commons on 12... with regard to the cost of maintaining the British Postal Agency at Tientsin. The Charter informed me that we can write privately and confidentially to the Treasury.
Churchill replied to the effect that the question of the maintenance of the Postal Agency...