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538 the last named one, and quite impossible, as it is for me to believe
that your firm in London actually intends acting upon Hongkong's ad-
vice to you in regard to the subject matter of these letters upon
the advice of people who are surely not fully informed about it and
about our September arrangements.
-
On the other hand there is no time to wait for any explana- tions of these strange demands of your Hongkong people, and I must c
by what is now before me, sincerely trusting that it is all due to
a telegraphic misunderstanding as between you and your Hong kong
branch.
Mr.
Carroll telegraphed me on the 18th instant;
"Reiss wants direct agency three years minimum, paying us re-
turn ex commission Texas allows. Agreed carry on Panama, remun-
eration to be settled direct correspondence Hongkong."
and on the 24th instant;
"Reiss soting Hongkong's advice, announce will only handle bal-
ance Panama on Cheetham's departure provided our contract twenty- fifth June annulled, otherwise give up agency immediately."
to which I could but reply
-
on the following day:
"Frofoundly surprised Rige threaten seriously damage interests
Texas ourselves unless (we) willing scoept unparalleled condition
(to) sorap existing contract. Because firstly Rice desired (the) agency (our subagency) according September arrangement, secondly
(because of) recommendations Governor Colonial Office according
Downing Street fourth January, thirály because terms (as to sell- ing) Panama settled September and (the) disposal (of) at cek (by Reiss) agreed last week, have strongly recommended (and) succeeded last week Rice'a appointment, (have) cabled power attorney desired (by) Bank Hongkong. Hold Rice responsible (for) compensation in- evitable direct indirect injuries (to) Texas business, including probable loss agency, should Hongkong persist extraordinary etti- tude, (and) ask perent house (to) instruct Hongkong await letters, meanwhile (to) safeguard (and) work diligently interests en-
trusted to their care)."
and this telegram I now beg to confirm to you, asking you to consider
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