CO129-279 - Public Offices - 1897 — Page 105

ALL COMMUNICATIONS

TO BE ADDRESSED TO THE

CROWN AGENTS FOR THE COLONIES.

13315

Sir

14697

Ruck

REG 8 JUL 97

DOWNING STREET, LONDON,

7th July 1897.

101

With reference to your letter No.13315/97 of the 25th ultimo, I have the honour to state that the mint can only undertake the supply of the silver coinage for Hong Kong on the condition that one half the total amount of bullion, representing a value of £55055, is supplied to it at once and the remainder not later than the first week in August. It is consequently impossible to proceed with the supply on the basis of fortnightly shipments subject to instructions to suspend at any moment, as appears to be contemplated by your letter under reference.

It is, in fact, necessary either to suspend the order indefinitely or to arrange, today, for the provision of the £55055 required to pay for the silver for the first half of the total order.

I have accordingly discussed the matter with Mr Lucas, and, with his concurrence, have adopted the latter alternative, with the further understanding that unless we receive instructions to suspend the second half before the 24th instant (at least a fortnight being required to ensure the supply of the necessary quantity of silver), we shall proceed to complete the order.

I have the honour to be,

Sir,

The Under Secretary of State,

&c.

&c.

&c.

Your Obedient Servant,

J. Toumanney

Colonial Office.