On the way down the stairs we were met by the Chinese Commissioner of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Chu Chao-hsin, who expressed' his deep sorrow for the unfortunate happening.
We then proceeded to the Shameen at which place we arrived at 12.36
Summing up the whole untortunate affair I have come to the conclusion that the men who seized the consignment had no. previous Knowledge of the arrival of thi cargo but just by pure luck the cargo and immediately framed ce this protest against muded action, and demand the consignment of wines spirits now in the hands of the Kuangtung, Canton &—Honam Wines, Cigarette Stamp Tax Bureau shall be instantly released without payment of a tax that has never been imposed on the Shameen before, and also that they be made to pay compensation for the wrongful imprisominent and the loss of clothes, which had to be destroyed, belonging to Mr. Wahab and myself, also loss of business due to a consignment of 19 cases of wines and spirits ex "Kuangsi" for myself which had to be returned to Hongkong owing to my being unable to take delivery yesterday, July 4.
also have the honour to request that the authorities responsible for this wrongful imprisonment should be compelled to give written apology for the suffering they have caused: this will also tend to clear the minds Shameen clients of any doubts that they may still entertain that any smuggling took place.
have the honour to be, Sin. Your obedient servant,
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.