4.
- 3
178
END
It is only with great reluctance that I
address you on this subject, which is properly the
concern of His Majesty's Minister. But, geographi-
cally and commercially speaking, this Colony is a part
of China, and there is a strong feeling among merchants
in Hong Kong that a British Legation situated at Peking
and British diplomatic machinery, as at present organized
in China, is not well adapted to protect their interests
in the changed and ever-changing conditions under which
their trade has to be conducted especially in the
southern provinces.
I have the honour to be,
Sir,
Your most obedient, humble servant,
Cement
Governor, &c.