In view of the rumour so widely circulated, that Germany is about to acquire this port, the following letter—a reply to enquiries by one who was about to leave England to take up fresh professional work in the new Colony—is of some general interest Downing Street, 15th August, 1901, Sin,—In reply to your letter of the 13th instant, I am directed by Mr. Secretary Chamberlain to inform you that the rumour that Weihaiwei is about to be handed over to Germany is without foundation, Tam, Sir, Your obedient Servant, P. Lucas.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.