Quote#Wisdom
You have obtained the Cession of Hong Kong, a barren Island with…
Quote byHenry Temple, 3rd Viscount Palmerston · 1784–1865
Commonly attributed — not confirmed in an authoritative edition. Cited on Wikiquote to: Letter to Captain Charles Elliot, RN, 21 April 1841.
English (original)
You have obtained the Cession of Hong Kong, a barren Island with hardly a House upon it... it seems obvious that Hong Kong will not be the Mart of Trade... it is impossible that you should continue to hold your appointment in China.
— Henry Temple, 3rd Viscount Palmerston
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