Correspondence on entanglement in litter Canton or Petrine intrigues.
Is not believe Mat A. Mr. Borchgreve -present take any action in the matter with weight or dignity; the Chinese, so long as they confine themselves to acts, however Mutiny, against their own subjects, outside Hongkong waters, are within their legitimate powers; and it seems proper, for the time being simply to watch the course of events, provided the Governor of Hongkong can be assured of the active sympathetic Assistance of H.M. Government- H.M. Diplomatic agents in China, in preventing outrages by Chinese pirates in Hongkong waters; a Sympathy & Assistance which I fear has too often for some reason or other, not been easily obtained
even when pass
10. I therefore regard Mr. Wade's inspections as fraught with the greatest risk, & trust that Lord Kimberley will not be induced
*to give
the least sanction, after the fullest consideration
I also hope that his Lordship will
bear in mind, that, independant of the weight due to certain General principles, opposed to the introduction of a foreign and dangerous element into the Government of
A British Colony, the extraordinary Prosperity of Hong Kong & its unprecedented growth
As a great
Eastern
Commercial centre of Commerce, is mainly due to the complete freedom of the Port from all Customs Regulations - A freedom which I have reason to propose would be endangered by much harshly and mistakenly hurried legislation.
I have the honour to be
Your most obedient, humble servant
Ralph Juan M[art]onnell
+Governor
Page 202
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