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prepared to accede on certain conditions to the wish
expressed by His Majesty's Government that Canadian
goods when transhipped at Hongkong and in the Straits
Settlements should retain the privilege of the
minimum tariff on importation into France.
His Excellency states, however, that in view of
the fact that the grant of the concession asked for
would entail & loss of revenue to the French
Treasury, the French Government ask in return that a
reduction may be made on the duties levied at Sin-
gapore and in the ports of Penang and Malacca on
wines and brandies of French origin.
I shall be glad to receive your instructions as
to the reply which should be given to the proposal
of the French Government.
I have &c.,
(Signed)
Francis Bertie.