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The Association has worked all through in close contact with H.M.'s Consuls at the Ports and this co-operation is still being maintained.
In addition to the men who have left under the auspices of the Association, there are many who have volunteered their services and left the East independently, and it must be very gratifying to Britons in China to learn of the rallying of these men to help their country in time of need.
The men
were all medically examined before leaving and the thanks of the Association are extended to those gentlemen of tite Medical Profession who have so kindly undertaken this work. Three only out of 179 proved unsatisfactory, and were landed at Ports on the way home.
It is understood that there are some more men willing to volunteer and a few names have already been taken; an advertisement is now appearing in the Press asking for further names, and it is the aim of the Committee to despatch a further draft of men early in the new year. This of course cannot be done without funds, but the Association do not hesitate to once again appeal for subscriptions from all Britons and their friends; Shanghai has done well, but it must do better, Great Britain has a task to perform, and you are urged to exert your influence to help in performing that task.
A list of subscriptions is in course of preparation and will shortly be circulated to subscribers to the Fund.
L. E. CANNING,
Shanghai.
December 16th, 1914.
Secretary,
PERPETUAL LEASES IN JAPAN.
British Association of Japan, Yokohama, to China Association, London.
The British Association of Japan,
Yokohama,
DEAR SIR
20th October, 1914.
With reference to your letter of the 9th April last, in which you give the views of your Committee regarding proposed action relative to the question of Perpetual Lease Taxes, my Committee, for some time previous to the outbreak of war, had been carefully watching the questions at issue, and separate committees of the various nationalities interested, represented by an International Committee, had been working continuously towards the settlement of this vexed question.
Mattera were proceeding in a fairly satisfactory manner, and my Committee had hoped to write you fully as to the result. The work, however, of the International Committee was suddenly interrupted by the outbreak of hostilities in Europe, and the undertaking had necessarily to be placed in abeyance.
Mr. McIver's pamphlet upon its publication, was sent to His Majesty's Ambassador at Tokyo, who, being interested in the doings of the Committee, had communicated with the Home Government regarding the whole taxation question. desire to thank your Association for its offer to carry the matter to the higher My Committee, however, Authorities upon being supplied with further details from this side. Under the circumstances, however, you will see that it is not practicable to proceed further at the moment.
H. C. Wilcox, Esq.,
Secretary, China Association,
I am, &c.,
F. W. HILL,
Secretary.
London, E.C.
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