CO129-346 - Governor Sir Lugard - 1908 [1-3] — Page 34

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TELEGRAM

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From His Majesty's Minister, Peking, to the Commander-in-Chief,

Hongkong, dated 26th. December, 1907.

-ber:-

Your Excellency's telegram of 25th. Decem-

I agree with the Governor of Hongkong that the withdrawal of friendly legislation should only be contemplat- -ed in last resort, and I consider in view of general situation in China, the present moment would be very inopportune for initiating such action. If the Chinese Preventive Service is satisfactorily organised, and the "Sainam" claim paid in full, even as a compassionate allowance, I think that the increased patrol need not be maintained. But it would be better if possible to arrange that the money should be paid in settlement of the case without giving it any designation and we should accept no formula which prevented case from forming a precedent.

Please comunicate to Consul-General.