CO129-507-9 Chinese Telegraph Office- Hong Kong- transfer to Cantonese control 4-1-1928 - 20-7-1928 — Page 42

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Canton Government as set out in your despatch, I have no

alternative but to consider that the negotiations on this

subject initiated at the Conference of the 10th March have

broken down: and to request you to inform Kr. Chum offici al-

ly that the offer of the concession then made by me is now

definitely withdrawn.

I regret that the offer of a sensession which would

have tended to the further improvement of the relations

between Hong Kong and Canton should have been considered

an opportunity for making party capital: and I remain pre-

pared to carry out my original purpose of neutralising the

office by establishing the Eastern Extension Telegraph

Company as Commersial Agents in charge pending the unifi-

cation of China. I propose, however, to wait till circum

stance alter or the Government of Canton or of Paking or

both make a formal suggestion to that effect before taking

further mation.

Chouk-pan (

In the meantime, as long as Mr. Lafiti

} appears to be soceptable to ne peli-

tical party, my object is at least partially attained by

leaving him in possession undisturbed.

I have, etc.,

(Sd). C. Clementi.

Governor, ko.