University, but I would mention also your despatches to Sir C. Macdonald concerning the Japanese boycott and the question of sovereignty over the Pratas Islands. Cases have occurred in the past where it has been necessary actively to resist efforts on the part of the Chinese Government to interfere in matters connected with Hong Kong, and I deprecate any action which could lead to a revival of such efforts. For this reason, I cannot endorse the policy of your suggestion that a contribution should be asked for from the Chinese Government towards the endowment of the new University.
Apart from this, it has been laid down that for the Crown Colonies, the rule has been that communications between Governors of Crown Colonies and His Majesty's representatives abroad on other than routine matters should pass through the Foreign Office, and be under the control of His Majesty's Government. It is, I think, desirable that a similar rule should be followed in H.M.'s relations with the Embassy in Peking, particularly where important affairs are involved.
The circumstances of Hong Kong render its exemption from this rule desirable, and I would ask you therefore to be guided by the principle alluded to in future. I have given instructions that the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs should be fully cognizant of the relations between the Colony and the Far East.
I have, &c.,
[Reference: F2/4]
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[The text appears to be a dispatch or letter, likely from a British government official, discussing matters related to Hong Kong, the Chinese Government, and the University.]
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