The Under Secretary of State -3-
544
22/6/1915.
work the oil business for us at that place, and we need hardly
explain to you why an arrangement with these people would suit
us infinitely better than the appointment of Messrs. Shewan
Tomes & Co. for Canton.
We have to-day received another letter from Mr.
Cheetham, dated Hongkong the 21st ult., containing additional
evidence that Hessrs. Shewan Tomes & Co. are the cause of the
disturbance of previous arrangements, made with His Excellency
the Governor'e consent.
As to permission for Mr. Cheetham to see Mr.Hakon
Schluter at Canton, he writes us as follows:
"I have called upon the Colonial Secretary, Attorney
General & Provost Marshall and have explained to them the
necessity of my going to Canton from time to time, to see
this gentleman, and all see no objections whatever in my
doing so."
from which it is further evident that Mr. Cheetham is only
desirous of doing for the Texas Company and ourselves that
which is in the best interest of business, without any
arrière pensée whatever, In fact, you will perhaps remember
that we ourselves asked His Excellency's permission for Mr.
Cheetham to consult Mr.Schluter, on points of detail and
routine, should he find himself in need of such advice,
is truly regrettable that so many difficulties should have
been created for Mr.Cheetham,
It