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of the Cherrie appearing to cede it to us, but it would be a step fraught were it to be occupied, & the responsibility imposed on us by the Chinese Govt.
of bringing up a larger force than can conveniently be accommodated at
- Hong Kong is a sufficient ground for justifying the temporary occupation of the site. Should Y.E.
be deem such a measure advisable
"you will see that I do not think
It is open politically to Michan & the four Gentlemen to be informed that it is temporarily taken
Encampments for the troops."
I do not think that it is necessary to give any explanation as to our ultimate intentions with respect to it, though should there be a fitting opportunity & it should be deemed by Y.E. & Mr. Parkes desirable, it might be pointed out to her, that there is a complete absence on that shore of sufficient authority, that a large population of lawless foreigners has
a Chinese & foreign...