method of handling this matter. An agreement between
the Government of Hongkong and China on the subject of
the Chinese Maritime Customs is a question which must
have an important bearing on British interests in China
generally and it seems most desirable for the reasons
stated in my private telegram to Sir M. Lampson that
the Governor should keep the Legation in Peking and the
Government at home fully informed by telegraph of every
stage in the progress of the affair. We do not desire
to complain, either officially or privately, of Sir C.
Clementi's action but I think it would be in the public
interest if you could see your way to impressing upon
him, preferably by telegram, the great importance of
his acting in the sense suggested.
Yours sincerely
Victor Volledig
27
Г