PRÉCIS.
159
On the 10th February, 1882, the Secretary of State directed in a confidential telegram that no concession for Telegraphs in China should be made without permission from him.
On the 4th March, 1882, the Canton Hongkong Wa Hop Telegraph Company, who had been authorized by the Canton Authorities to run a line from Canton to the Kowloon Frontier, asked permission to extend their line to Victoria, using the existing Government cable across the Harbour in the first instance, pending the purchase of a separate cable.
The Governor telegraphed recommending this proposal and on the 9th March the Secretary of State replied that the proposed cable should belong to a British Company.
On the 15th March it was reported by telegram that a Company of Chinese residents, to be registered under the local Act, was being formed to work the line.
On the 20th March the Secretary of State directed that no new cable should be allowed and that applications must be submitted for his approval.
On the 23rd March, 1882, The Eastern Extension A. and C. Telegraph Co. applied for permission to lay a cable and run a line from Victoria to the Kowloon frontier to connect with lines of telegraph to be erected in Chinese Territory.
On the 15th April, 1882, the Governor forwarded both the Eastern Extension and the Wa Hop Companies' applications. The Governor made no recommendation to the Secretary of State, but stated that he had learnt from the Eastern Extension Company that the Chinese Company were prepared, if their application were refused, to make arrangements with the British Company to connect their line with Victoria.