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Copy.
Den lie
Downing Street,
31 January, 1916.
510
With reference to our conversation of this morning. I write to say that if the authorities in Hongkong are satisfied as to the character of Kesers. Sanders Rehder and Company, I think it would be a good thing from the public point of view if you would consent to allow their name to be associated with that of Lesera. Reiss in the question of the agency for the texas vil Curpeny. It is, of course, for Lessrs. Reise to decide and I would not urgS then if their feeling is too strong aminst such a course, but other things being et all equal, it would be a pity to let business pp out of British hande.
Your
fur laquel
(Sd.) A. Steel-Maitland,
13. Five him by
Rena Russo