E
113
+
1913 to accept an official appointment under the Republican
régime in China.
3.
Mr. Lau has, I understand, found the Chinese
service unsatisfactory, and wishes, if possible, to return to
the service of this Government. Lost this opportunity of secur-
ing his services be missed, I propose subject to your approval
to offer him a post as a Supernumerary Grade II Writer in the
Secretariat for Chinese Affairs. He would thus obtain the same
salary as he enjoyed previous to his resignation but his pre-
vious service would not count for pension purposes. The present
disturbed state of China which is likely to continue for several
years, has thrown a large quantity of additional work on this
department, work for which Mr. Lau's intimate knowledge of
Chinese politics renders him peculiarly fitted. If the pressure
of work diminishes I shall not fail to endeavour to absorb the
present Grade II Writer in the Chinese Secretariat in some other
department.
4.
graph.
i
I shall be glad to learn your decision by tele-
I have the honour to be,
Sir,
Your most obedient,
humble servant,
Governor, &c,
!
1
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