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prefining.
On the Chinese the adoption of such a measure, Her Majesty's Government would be taking the purest 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 on the cessation of friendly relations with Peking we should be creating in our midst a dangerous centre for rebellion plots and hostile action. Therefore at the request of my Council I now respectfully submit the foregoing observations to Your Lordship, hoping that whatever Course may be adopted in any other Colony the exceptional circumstances and position of Hongkong may at least exempt it from the inconvenience and risk which the residence there of a Chinese Konsul would entail, and may lead to the indefinite adjournment of so very ill timed a proposal.
I have the honor to be,
My Lord,
Your Lordship's most obedient,
humble servant,
John Francis Davis
Governor