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troops arriving in China, for whom there is no convenient place at Hong Kong.
4. He also informed me that he thought it possible for Her Majesty's Government to obtain a lease of land from Canton; and he authorized me to direct Mr. Parkes to take the matter in hand, if I thought it desirable to acquire the site in this imperfect shape until circumstances should allow of the proposition for its permanent acquisition being brought forward.
N° 1.
5. Concurring fully with Lord Bruce in the advantages of such a temporary arrangement, I gave the necessary instructions to Mr. Parkes, who conducted the negotiation with his usual skill and judgment. We are now, therefore, I think, in as good a position as it is possible to be, short of a formal cession, which alone would enable the Colonial Government to exercise jurisdiction over the place.
6. I enclose for Your Lordship's information copies of correspondence which I have had on the subject of the military occupation at...