CONFIDENTIAL.
Hongkong.
Sir,
C.O.
27150
187
Fast 1 AUG 04
Government House,
Hongkong, 2nd July, 1904.
Though not strictly within my province, I venture to make the following suggestions because the matter being one that affects British Trade Interests in the Far East touches the Commercial interests of this Colony.
The Inspector-General of the Imperial Maritime Customs is a very old man and it is obvious that he cannot remain much longer in harness.
It is essential to the interests above alluded to that his successor should be an Englishman. During the 21 years that I have served in the Far East I have become acquainted with all the leading Members of the Imperial Maritime Customs Service. In my opinion there is not one who is fit to succeed Sir Robert Hart, and I have reasons to believe that those in the Imperial Maritime Customs Service who have the interests of that Service and of the Empire of China most at heart will agree with me.
If His Majesty's Government is determined to press for an English successor to Sir Robert Hart, has it selected the man it will put forward? I venture to suggest that a man of tried financial capacity who has had oriental experience, such as one for instance as the late Sir James Westland, would be the most fitting selection. What is wanted is not knowledge of the Chinese language but the brains to carry on a great and intricate ...
THE RIGHT HONOURABLE
ALFRED LYTTELTON, K.C., M.P.,
&c.,
&c.,
&c...
CONFIDENTIAL.
Hongkong.
Sir,
C.0.
27150
187
Fast 1 AUG 041
Government House,
Hongkong, 2nd. July, 1904.
Though not strictly within my province, I
venture to make the following suggestions because the matter
being one that affects Eritish Trade Interests in the Far East
touches the Commercial interests of this Colony.
The Inspector-General of the Imperial Mari-
time Customs is a very old man and it is obvious that he cannot
remain much longer in harness,
It is essential to the interests above al- luded to that his successor should be an Englishman. During the 21 years that I have served in the Far East I have become ac- quainted with all the leading Members of the Imperial Maritime Customs Service. In my opinion there is not one who is fit to succeed Sir Robert Hart, and I have reasons to believe that those in the Imperial Maritime Customs Service who have the interests of that Service and of the Empire of China most at heart will
agree with me.
If His Majesty's Government is determined to press for an English successor to Sir Robert Hart has it selected the man it will put forward?1 venture to suggest that a man of tried financial capacity who has had oriental experience such a one for instance as the late Sir James Westland - would be the most fitting selection. What is wanted is not knowledge of the Chinese language but the brains to cafry on a great and
intricate
THE RIGHT HONOURABLE
ALFRED LYTTELTON, K.C., M.P.,
&c.,
&c.,
&c...
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