CO129-317 - Governor Sir Blake - 1903 [4-6] — Page 312

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offer you my thanks!

When I saw Mr Clementi I clearly stated that

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as soon as the rice sent from Hong Kong arrived at

Wuchow I would at once direct it to be towed by a steam-

launch to Tsam Chow, and that I would issue instructions

to all the Officials along the route to afford all neces-

sary protection and assistance, and order the lekin

stations to exempt the rice from all charges. I have

also sent letters asking the various Telegraph Stations

to exempt charges for all telegrams sent in connection

with the famine.

I have heard that the Hong Kong newspapers con-

tain statements to the effect that in Kwang Si the

Government is not willing to waive lekin charges.

These statements are without foundation and altogether

unreasonable. Your Excellency has been moved by charit-

able feeling for those in distress, and I feel truly

and deeply grateful. It is unreasonable therefore to

suppose that I should impose any such taxation. While

expressing thanks for the contributions I therefore re-

quest Your Excellency to have enquiry made and to sup-

press such misstatement and so promote harmony.

One boat has already arrived with rice, and I

have ordered it to be towed up the river by a launch.

I have written this Despatch to thank Your

Excellency for what you have done in this matter.

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