'The temporary closure of the Consulate at Ichang, following upon the closure of that at Changsha, has been viewed by the Committee with no little concern, and suitable representations were made to His Majesty': Embassy. At no time could withdrawal from these ports be more inappropriate than at present. It involves a great deal more than prestige, the maintenance of which is in itself most desirable. There are important British interests at these centres. There is no need to emphasize that, in times like the present, there are problems of almost daily occurrence on which consular advice and assistance are desired, and indeed are essential. The Committee have been advised that it is intended to restore the Consulate at Ichang as soon as practicable. It is hoped that that time will not be too long delayed.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.