(Telegram to Secretary of State.)
4th April, 1899.
Yesterday Mr. MAY went to Táipó Hü with 5 Chinese soldiers to whom the matsheds there were to be handed over. I received a message from him at mid- night last night that the villagers were threatening and that, while he would hold his position until morning, he urgently required immediate relief. I despatched, by Torpedo Boat Destroyer, 100 men of the Royal Welch Fusiliers with instructions to withdraw British subjects, but not, unless attacked, to adopt hostile attitude. The Force was accompanied by Mr. LOCKHART. He will warn the villagers of the danger of opposition and leave the Chinese soldiers in charge of the matshed until a sufficient Force has been sent to ensure sufficient protection of the workmen. 300 men were ordered to the district by the Viceroy on the 2nd instant, but they have not yet arrived. I do not apprehend serious trouble, but will not accept responsibility for preventing it until I take over the territory. This should be done on the 17th. In the meantime I have telegraphed this morning to the Viceroy, who, I believe, is acting in good faith, urging that men be sent without delay.
BLAKE.
(Telegram from Secretary of State.)
5th April, 1899.
I approve generally of actions taken by you. The British troops presumably are now withdrawn. Date of taking over is left to your discretion, but telegraph date you finally settle on that Her Majesty's Government may publish Order-in- Council bere. Communications are being made to the Chinese Government with reference to the inability of the Customs Officials to function in British territory
or waters.
(Telegram to Secretary of State.)
CHAMBERLAIN.
6th April, 1899.
No British troops in territory. Official publication of Order-in-Council April 8; I take over April 17.
BLAKE.
No. 87..
SIR,
(Governor to Secretary of State.)
GOVERNMENT HOUSE, HONGKONG, 7th April, 1899.
•
With reference to my despatch No. 82 of the 1st instant, I have the honour to inform you that on the 2nd instant I proceeded at 5.30 a.m. to Canton in Her Majesty's ship Fame and arrived at 10 o'clock, the Viceroy having informed the Consul that he would receive me at 11 a.m. I was accompanied by Mr. STEWART LOCKHART, Colonial Secretary, and the members of my staff. On proceedling from the Consulate to the Viceroy's Yamên, I found that preparations had been made for my reception that I did not expect. The streets for the two miles or so be-