Confidential.
(
Sir: -
PEKING,
October 2nd, 1912.
159
Race 26 00T 12
With reference to Mr. Severn's despatch No.2194/1912
of the 8th. of May last, I have the honour to inform Your
Excellency that an opportunity recently presented itself
of sounding the Inspector-General of Custons as to the
prospect of the Chinese Government agreeing to make an
increased contribution towards the cost of the light on
Gap Rock.
ar. Aglen's view, which is embodied in the enclosed
letter and appears to be borne out by the records, is to the
effect that no sufficient grounds seen to exist upon which
an appeal could be made to the Chinese Government in favour
of a departure from one of the fundamental principles of
the Agreement of 1888, namely that the light should be
constructed and maintained at the expense of Hongkong. Thie
view might perhaps be subject to modification if it could
His Excellency
Sir F.H. May, K.C.M.G.
kc., &c., &c.
Hongkong.
be