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their constant policy of strict datsonment from the in-
ternal political affairs of China they are exceedingly
anxious that the office should be kept antirely clear
of any political associations and should be conducted
For this resson purely as a commercial enterprise .
they think it desirable toat the incumbent should be
not a politician or a soldier but a commercial man or
an expert in telegraphic administration.
In order therefore that the question may be satis-
factorily disposed of it is suggested that in future the name of the person whom it is proposed to nominate to the post of Superintendent of the liong Long Telegraph
Office should be communica ted beforehand to the Govern-
mant of Hong Kong through the diplomatic channel, toge-
ther with some description of his previous services and
his qualifications for the post, in order that the do-
vernment may be in a position to consider the matter in accordance with the principles enunciated above before issuing their approval. The Government of the Colony
would be glad to receive at the same time an undertaking that the nominee when appointed would refrain from all
political activities.
It is regretted that the appointment of Mr. Luu
Chih-yün to tuis post is not acceptable to the Govern-
/ ment