49
minutes on which this letter is based, and I understand he
is passing on the gist of it to his legal department in
Shanghai with the suggestion that they send someone round to
discuss the proposal with you.
8.
It seems to me a legal and very technical question,
involving perhaps our general commercial interests, on which
I could not commit myself without expert advice.
If you
receive such an application will you please consult Priestwood
and George, and perhaps Mossop, and then report to me by
despatch.
9. The question may also arise as to whether in the
changed circumstances of the present time it is really necessary
or desirable to retain in our local China Company legislation
this provision about the use of the Chinese characters in
question.
(Signed) R. G. Howe
for H.M. Minister.