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Postal Administration is still in its infancy,
though it has been gradually extended to all the
It cannot guarantee de-
Treaty Ports end to many places in the interior of
Shangtung and Kiangsu.
livery of mail matter throughout the Empire and up
till the present remains outside the Postel Union.
But its development is to be desired as likely to
promote the growth of western systems in China; and
the atteinment of this end is retarded by all in-
It now carries all
Grease of foreign agencies.
or nearly all the inter-port mail at two cents per
* ounce and four cents per ounce as against the
British tariff of 5 cents per ounce and penetretes
to many places where no British agency can ever con-
ceivably be established.
It has occurred to me that it might be well,
if,
before a final decision is errived at in the metter
of the extension of the British Agencies, I were to
approach Sir Robert Hart with a view to some solution
of such questions as the parcel-post charges at Chefoo
complained of by British subjects there.
I think that
Chine,
Chine, rather then see the system of foreign agen-
cies extended, would be prepared to come to some
arrangement of mutual benefit.
As regards Peking, e Russian Postal Agency for
the overland service hes long existed, but since the
troubles of last year the Germans, French and Japen-
ese have also established local branches.
Most of
these have, it seems probable, come to remain. The
British Railway authorities have a branch of the
Indian Field Post Office here, but I presume it is
only & temporary measure.
I consider that the whole question is one of
political expediency rather then actual necessity,
but I am of opinion that, should it be decided to
extend the system, the service should not rems in en-
tirely dependent on the Government of Hongkong,
should be supported by the Imperial Government in
such a manner as to ensure greater efficiency and
despatch.
(Signed)
I have, &c.,
Ernest Satow.
but
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