FRAE
390x90.
421
no doubt prove a very serious matter indeed.
In view of the fact that Sir John
Jordan in January last considered it to be a "fact that the
Chinese Government are seriously considering the question of
currency reform", it will be interesting to note the
attitude they may adopt with regard to Hongkong Coins circula-
-ting in China, but I confess I think it more probable that
they will simply prohibit their circulation in China (with a
consequential inrush of these coins into the Colony) than
that they will demonetize them as anticipated in the 5th.
paragraph of the Treasury letter.
Your Despatch under reply is marked
'Confidential' presumably because it was in reply to my
Despatch which was essentially of a confidential nature, since
the scheme to which it gave cover depended for its success
largely upon the secrecy with which it should be inaugurated.
however
I have the honour to request that I may be allowed to communi-
-cate the contents of your Despatch since I must inform the
Legislative Council (in reply to questions which will assured-
-ly be asked) what are the views of His Majesty's Government
with whom I have stated that I am in communication on this
subject.