Translation of counter draft.
Enclosure No. 6.
The present strike, with the consequent stoppage of trade and the hindrance of free communications between Canton and Hongkong, is causing hardship to the peoples of the two places. This is indeed a matter for commiseration. A policy of peace being much my constant aim, I very/hope that this matter will be settled at an early date; and deferring to the request of the people, I have already appointed Sir Paul Chater, a member of our Executive Council; Mr. Chow Shou-son and Mr. R.H.Kotewall, Chinese representatives on the Legislative Council; and Mr. Bernard, Head of Messrs. Jardine, Matheson & Co., to be responsible representatives of Hongkong for the purpose of negotiating with the representatives of Canton for a settlement. Now, this Government being desirous of relieving the sufferings of the people and hastening the date of settlement, proposes to appoint, in addition, Mr. Fletcher, Colonial Secretary: Mr. Kemp, Attorney General; and Mr. Tratman, Secretary for Chinese Affairs; who, with the aforementioned four representatives, will be the plenipotentiary delegates for Hongkong. It is proper to request the Canton Government also to appoint, for similar reasons, three officials of equal standing, in addition to the four elected representatives of Labour and Commerce, to be plenipotentiary delegates for Canton, so that negotiations may be opened. I am sure that the Canton Government will subscribe to this sentiment. I request you to be good enough to transmit this idea to the Canton Government, and to ask for a
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