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الالام
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502
C
As Governor of Hongkong I am concerned only with what affects this Colony. It is because I believe that the interests of the Colony and of British trade are vitally concerned in this present question that I have ventured to
interfere to the extent that I have done. I cannot help feeling that insufficient attention has been paid to this factor in the situation. The establishment of the principle of the inviolability of the Chinese Maritime Customs is doubtless a matter of importance and the interests involved
are considerable but I venture to submit that the loss to
Great Britain which would result from the commercial ruin
of this Colony which is the headquarters of British trade in China would be out of all proportion to any advantage
that is to be obtained by drastic action against Canton,
I have the honour to be,
My Lord Duke,
Your Grace's most obedient
humble servant,
B.E. Stable
Governor, ko.
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