CO129-387 - Individuals - 1911 — Page 103

Wo Harcourt

A bare actinent.

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inferturient Letter.

07.4.10.11

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sir,

3, Lombard Street,

London, E. C.

со

31872

Reco Rrat 2 OCT

30th. September, 1911.

97

I have received information from the Senior European Unofficial Hember of the Legislative Council of HongKong to the effect that the Chinese of that Colony have through Sir Paul Chater, C.M.G., petitioned for an extension of the present Governor's term of office.

The matter was discussed by the European Unofficial Members previous to the departure of Sir Paul and myself as delegates to the Coronation, and Sir Paul was informed that they had unanimously arrived at the decision that they were not prepared at that juncture to make any recommendation as to any extension of Sir Frederick Lugard's term of office.

Had Sir Paul informed me that he was presenting a Chinese petition it would have been my duty to at the same time bring to your notice the opinion of the European Unofficial

Members.

I do so now at their request.

I need hardly say that the European community has the

highest regard for Sir Frederick Lugard, but its representatives

do not concur in the reasonings of the Chinese.

I have the honour to be,

Sir,

Your obedient Servant,

howny eswick

The Under Secretary of State for the Colonies,

Whitehall, S. W.