CO129-322 - Acting Governor May - 1904 [1-5] — Page 615

!

CONFIDENTI A L.

Hongkong.

19014

Both April 190

613

C. O.

Government House,

Hongkong, 28th. April, 1904.

sir,

5103

With reference to my Despatch No. 16 of

the 13th. January last, I have the honour to transmit for your

information the enclosed copy of a letter from the local Chamber

of Commerce regarding the question of the opening of the Port

of Nanning on the West River. The letter is a reply to my re-

quest to be furnished with their observations on this subject,

and is evidence of the fact that in the opinion of the Commerci-

al Community the interests of Hongkong and British influence

and prestige in the Far East would be fostered by the opening

of the Port in question. As stated in my Despatch referred to

above, the question at the present moment is rather political

than commercial; but I concur in the opinion of the Chamber

that the action suggested would be to the permanent advantage

of this Colony.

2.

I have furnished His Majesty's Minister

at Peking with a copy of this Despatch and its enclosure.

I have the honour to be. Sir,

Your most obedient Humble servant,

7

Officer Administering the Government.

THE RIGHT HONOURABLE

ALFRED LYTTELTON, K.C., M.P.,

800...

BCC.

8cc - +

LE