992)
idential,
140
PENINSULAR AND ORIENTAL STEAM NAVIGATION COMPANY
122, LEADE HALL STREET,
LONDON, E.C.,
7th August, 1850
37340
sir,
Rea 14 AUG 15
I am instructed to give you an extract of an
intercepted letter from Messrs Melchers and Company,
Bremen posted via Siberia to their Shanghai Office,
which has been received confidentially from the
Company's Agent;-
"It is very encouraging that the French Consul-Gener-
al is such a reasonable man, the French Government
has been just as mad in its meaness as the English
only that it is probable that France will sooner
come to terms with Germany than England.
It seems very difficult for you to start fresh
business transactions in Shanghai, it is said that
Arnhold Karberg and Company, are doing a tremendous
business in Hankow after changing them into an
English firm.
e Secretary of State
Foreign Office.
The