CO129-507-9 Chinese Telegraph Office- Hong Kong- transfer to Cantonese control 4-1-1928 - 20-7-1928 — Page 56

Enolo sure No.2 in Mr. Brenan's despatch No.51 of April 16th

sir,

1928.

H. B. M. Consulate General,

Canton.

March 22nd, 1928.

56

With reference to the question of the Chinese

telegraph office in Hongkong, I have the honour to inform

you that I have received a letter from the Governor of

Hongkong stating that His Excellency is now prepared to

put into effect the arrangement agreed on at the interview

which he had with Marshal Li Chai-sum on March 10th.

You will remember that the arrangement was that

the Canton Government should send a Cantonese merchant to

Hongkong to be manager of the office, such merchant to

be persona grata to the Hongkong Government and not an

official, and the title of the post to be "Commercial

Agent in charge of the Chinese Telegraph Office in Hongkong"

).

His Excellency requests me to say that he will be

glad to learn as soon as possible whom the Canton Govern-

ment proposes to moninate for this appointment and when he

may be expected to arrive in Hongkong. Directly the Hongkong

and Canton Governments have agreed on the nominee for this

office, Mr. Lau Cheak Pan (

), the present telegraph

superintendent will be told that he cannot be permitted to

function any longer in Hongkong and at the same time the

Hongkong authorities will instal the new nominee as

"Commercial Agent", giving him such police protection as may

be necessary.

The favour of an early reply is requested.

The Commissioner for Foreign Affairs,

Canton.

I have the honour, etc.,

(Sgd.) J.F.Brenan. Acting Consul-General.