89
the Government; but the proper course for us seems to me to
be to assume that this is due merely to thoughtlessness; and,
if it be, then perhaps the less we make of it officially the
better. The really important thing is that, in spite of any
differences of view or policy, harmonious relations shall be
maintained between your Consulate General and the Government
of Hongkong. I know that you realise this, and have done
everything you can to promote harmony; and if I suggest that you should forego the satisfaction of an official reply to
what you consider are aspersions on your judgement, I believe I am only suggesting a course which the Foreign Office will
consider wise and unselfish and which will in the long run
commend itself as such to you also.
As the Governor's despatch was sent to Tokyo and
Shanghai, as well as to here, to you and the Colonial Office,
I am sending a copy of this letter and of your despatch No.
31 privately to Sir John Tilley and to Barton. I am also
sending a copy private to Sir V. Wellesley, and I am asking
the Foreign Office by telegram not to broadcast the corres-
pondence in print or otherwise until the receipt of this
letter. This will to some extent meet the wish expressed at
the end of your despatch No. 31; but I hesitate to write to
Sir Cecil, or to send him your despatch, until you have
received this letter. You may, if you wish, now communicate
to him privately a copy of your despatch and of this letter.
On the other hand you may on reflexion, and when you know
what I am now doing as regards the other recipients of his
despatch,/
No comments yet.
Private notes are available after approval.