(11)
On the 3rd instant I received a Telegram from the Secretary of State telling me that Your Excellency's proposals had been approved, and Sir ROBERT HART lost no time in placing them before the Government.
He himself appears to be in favour of the first suggestion, which I gather from* your despatch is the one which on the whole the Colonial Government would also prefer, namely, the erection and maintenance of the Light-house by the Government of Hongkong, on the condition of the occupation of the Rock being sanctioned in return for a nominal " Royalty" as an acknowledgement of China's Sovereignty
over the soil.
Directly I am made acquainted with the views of the Chinese Government I. shall have the honour of bringing them to Your Excellency's knowledge.
I have the honour to be,
Sir,
Your Excellency's most obedient, humble Servant,
His Excellency
THE GOVERNOR OF HONGKONG,
&c.,
&c..
&c.
(B.)
JOHN WALSHAM.
No. 30/G.
SIR,
(Governor to Sir John Walsham.)
GOVERNMENT HOUSE, HONGKONG, 22nd March, 1888.
I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of Your Excellency's letter of the 9th instant, bearing upon the question of the erection of a Light-house on Gap Rock, and I desire at the same time to convey to you the thanks of this Govern- ment for the trouble you are taking in the matter.
I have, &c.,
G. WILLIAM DES VEUX,
Governor.
His Excellency
SIR JOHN WALSHAM, Bart.,
H.B.M. Minister,
&c.,
&c.,
&c., PEKING.
(C.)
TELEGRAM.
(Governor, Hongkony, to British Minister, Peking.)
Kindly inform what present prospect of settlement of Light-house question.
12th April, 1888.
GOVERNOR.
(D.)
TELEGRAM.
(British Minister, Peking, to Governor, Hongkong.)
[Confidential. Not printed.]
14th April, 1888.