CO129-214 - Public Offices & Others - 1883 — Page 568

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Company and the Russian Government

Submarine telegraphy plays an important part in all commercial transactions that it is most desirable that England with her large colonial interests should not be excluded from direct connection with every country with which we have commercial intercourse – I believe the Government appreciate this position and the Foreign Office has rendered us valuable assistance.

The Colonial Office also afforded us considerable assistance in protecting our interests at Hong Kong. The telegraphic connection between Hong Kong and Canton is now completed; as for our interests in the line from Canton to Shanghai, it belongs to the Eastern Extension Company.

From Shanghai to Japan, it is operated by a different company. As this is likely to be an important connection when completed, I am anxious to secure the good offices of the Colonial Office in facilitating negotiations.

The most satisfactory outcome of these negotiations is that this line, as it is most desirable, not only for the present but for future trade, that it should be controlled by an English company. I am glad to report that notwithstanding the trouble we have had in negotiations with the Chinese authorities, the relations with them are very satisfactory.

Congratulating messages have been received from the Director of the Telegraphs Administration and others, and I take this opportunity to express my faith in the successful outcome.

Yours faithfully,

Sutton Under Secretary