CO129-507-9 Chinese Telegraph Office- Hong Kong- transfer to Cantonese control 4-1-1928 - 20-7-1928 — Page 82

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3.

The translation of the title as suggested by

the Canton Government effects a radical alteration of

its meaning: and so far from giving the office a neutral and commercial character and removing it from the arena of party control, which was the object I had in view, it actually accentuates the undesirable features of the existing system.

4. I, therefore, find it impossible to accept the suggested translation: and in view of the attitude of the 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 Mr. Chu officially that the offer of the concession then made by me is now definitely withdrawn.

5. I regret that the offer of a concession which would have tended to the further improvement of the relations between Hong Kong and Canton should have been considered and opportunity for making party capital: and I remain prepared to carry out my original purpose of neutralising the office by establishing the Eastern Extension Telegraph Company as Commercial Agents in charge pending the unification of China. I propose, however, to wait till circumstances alter or the Government of Canton or of Peking or both make a formal suggestion to that effect before taking further action. in the meantime, as long as Mr. Lau Cheuk-pan appears to be acceptable to no political party, my object it is at least partially attained

by