;
Fenclosure 2
Ciclosure 3.
3.
72
I explained to Major-General Kelly that I was
advised that the closed German mails could not be opened, and
I pointed out that it was not worth while raising the question of closing the German Post Office or of instituting a censor- ship of telegrams because, as explained, the German Post Office is practically closed already and any censorship imposed on the Shamien could be evaded by sending telegrams from any of the numerous Chinese Telegraph Offices in Canton City. At the same time I said I would take your instructions on the subject of the closed mails which I accordingly did in my telegram, copy of which is enclosed. I enclose a copy of your reply which is being complied with.
4.
I take this opportunity of reporting that 16
As
bage of mail matter for the German and Austrian ships-of-war in the Far East and 2 bags of general mail matter for Tsingtau were received from Europe ex the P. & 0. S.S."Himalaya". these mails were all closed and of a date considerably prior to the outbreak of war, I allowed them to be sent on unopened after communicating with the Naval Authorities who finally agreed to their being sent on unopened.
5.
Finally it will interest you to learn that one of His Majesty's ships brought here 3 mail bags which had been found at sea about the 14th instant addressed to the German Cruisers Scharnhorst" and "Gneisenau". The contents of these bags have been examined by the Postmaster General. One document relating to naval matters has been retained by the laval Author- ities and the remainder of the correspondence is being forward- ed to the Shanghai German Post Office.
ER
I have the honour to be,
Sir.
Your most obedient,
humble servant,
Governor, &c.