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notify the Chinese Coverment of the Hongkong Government's decision and that the latter consider themselves under no obligation to renew the negotiations, et all events in their present form, at a later date.
June 16th 1912: 3ir J.Jordan to Foreign Office Fds. Copy of above despatch and of correspondence with Hi Chiao Pu and states that in view of His Lajesty's Government's acceptance of agreement having been communicated to Wai Chino Pu and of similar acceptance by Chinese Covernment Sir J.Jordan does not feel justified in conveying Hongkong' a decision to ni Chino Pu without further instructions from Foreign Office.
A
A copy of this despatch was sent to Hongkong.
July 23rd, 1919: Fr. Severn to ir J.Jordant Fds. copy of letter to Colonial Office expressing the view that an agreement mainly affecting the 3outh of China, but negotiated in Peking would be inef- fective under present circumstances. If for no other reason this is quite sufficient to justify Hongkong's desire to withdraw from mag negotiations.
August 3rd.1919: Colonial Office to Foreign Office: states that the former propose to await a report from the new "overnor of Hongkong, Sir 4. Stubb-, before deciding on their policy.
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February 10th.19 Sir R. Stubbs to Colonial Office: Concurs entirely with Kr.Severn's views. Gives further reasons against signa- ture of agreement, laying special stress on the fact that it would greatly increase the cost of foodstuff to the poorer section of the Colony's population.
April 26th 1924: Foreign Office to H.K. Finister: Requests observa tions on a despatch from the Colonial Office, dated April 17th, 1920, in which Lord Kilner concurs with sir k. stubbe in decision not to proceed with agreement.
October 19th, 1920: Mr. Clive to Sir R. Stubbs: Telegram:Sugesta that in view of Conference of British Chambers of Commerce to be held early in November steps should be taken to ascertain views of British merchants in China on the question of the proposed agreement.
November 10th 1920: Sir R. Stubbs to Kr. Clive: Replies to above (Too late for reference of question to the Conference): Would be glad
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