Case ANY - The Faversham Valise - Letter from Superintendent Harold Han

 

Superintendent Harold Han

 

Royal Hong Kong Constabulary

 

Lions Avenue

 

Hong Kong

 

 

 

Dr Faversham,

 

I would like to formally extend the thanks of Royal Hong Kong Constabulary for your inquiry. You are clearly well versed in oriental culture and the peculiarities of Kowloon.

 

Unfortunately, I cannot give a definitive affirmation in regard to the topic raised in your correspondence on 3rd March, 1931. After ordering a review of our case files, our office was unable to locate confirmed information to further your line of questioning re: the white lotus. Factual information regarding gardening or spiritual groups would only fall within the investigations of this department if criminal activity had occurred.

 

While no formal records of a 'white lotus' are extant, widespread circumstantial evidence has long been speculated. I have no personal experience of this 'hearsay' but rumours indicate the 'white lotus' was once a funerary organisation. In the final years of the previous century, an unnamed colonial official saw fit to discontinue their operations due to circumstantial accusations of tomb robbing and exportation of such artefacts to foreign buyers.

 

As I stated above, there are no official records nor can I personally confirm the validity of any import to the 'white lotus' symbol. This directly points me to the undeniable conclusion that it has no significance in modern Hong Kong, or its environs.

 

I hope you are not unduly disappointed by this eventuality and I look forward with keen interest to future communications or, indeed, a personal visit to our fine island. I am certain that such a learned gentleman would feel the hearty, close embrace of our local customs.

 

 

 

Kind Regards

 

Harold Han

 

Superintendent

 

Royal Hong Kong Constabulary