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claimed: “We believe that such a creation of an imperium in imperio would produce alarm and dissatisfaction among the Chinese residents here; and by unnecessarily pressing on the Chinese the adoption of such a measure, Her Majesty's Government would be taking the surest course to develop, during times of peace, the worst vices of Chinese rule in a population under British protection; and, on the other hand, in the event of approaching disturbances, or the cessation of friendly relations with Peking, we would be creating in our midst a dangerous centre of rebellion, plots and hostile actions.”
The basic insecurity of a small group of colonials dwelling in the midst of a large population, whose customs and language were unfamiliar and strange, welled up at the prospect of the approval by Britain for a Chinese consul to assume duties in Hongkong.
Pressure from Hongkong and from merchants in Britain interested in the China trade caused the matter to be dropped.
It was revived in 1875 and again in 1891. It was in the latter year that Ho A-mei spoke out on the matter.
CONSUL NEEDED ‘FOR FAIR TREATMENT
The suggestion that a Chinese consul be appointed for Hongkong reappeared periodically. The idea was first advanced in 1868.
At that time the Governor, Sir Richard MacDonnell, sent a strong protest to England.
Two years later the Hongkong General Chamber of Commerce expressed its views on the subject.
The Treaty of Tientsin between Britain and China was signed in 1858. It contained a provision that it should be reviewed after 10 years. These revisions were embodied in the Chefoo Convention.
The Foreign Office asked the various Chambers of Commerce