Page 373
Page 373
345
189
Appendix No. 4.
nation, it would be of the last importance to us to have some point d'appui, where would be our coal depôt, our stores, our hospital, our dock. It should be sufficiently far south not to be frozen up in winter; it should be within easy reach of China, Japan, Russia. It should be easy of access, easy of PORT HAMILTON. defence, have a secure harbour, All these qualifications are united in Port Hamilton, and the last
words uttered to me by Sir Charles Shadwell were: "Don't lose sight of the great importance of our
possessing Port Hamilton."
Under these circumstances, if I have not already been telegraphed to to take possession of it, I submit that I be directed to do so.
I have, &c.
(Signed)
A. P. RYDER, Vice-Admiral,
Commander-in-chief.
Inclosure 2 in No. 104.
(Telegraphic.)
Commander-in-chief, China, to Admiralty.
July 20, 1875. RUSSIA is rapidly encroaching. A German vessel is surveying west coast of Corea, Japanese vessel the east coast, both with a view to occupation. I submit that "Sylvia" should be directed to survey south-west coast, and that if, as Minister suggests, I am directed to take possession of or occupy Port Hamilton, your instructions may be sent to me at Hakodadi, where I expect to be from 26th to 29th of July, and after that at Vladivostock. Minister concurs, and is telegraphing to Foreign Office.
(By secret cypher:)
Inclosure 3 in No. 104.
Admiralty to Commander-in-chief, China.
Admiralty, August 3, 1875.
(Telegraphic.)
IN reference to your telegraphic communication, Government thinks it is not desirable to [?set] ōther nations example of occupying places to which England has not title.
Inclosure 4 in No. 104.
Admiralty to Commander-in-chief, China.
(Telegraphic.)
Admiralty, August 5, 1875. "SYLVIA" may survey south-west coast Corea. As stated in telegraphic communication 3rd instant, Government cannot authorize occupation Port Hamilton without further information; though, in the event of positive danger to British subjects and commerce, you can take such other steps as may appear essential for their security.
Inclosure 5 in No. 104.
Sir,
Admiralty to Commander-in-chief, China.
Admiralty, August 5, 1875.
WITH reference to your telegrams relative to the encroachments of Russia in the Corea, and the proposed occupation of Port Hamilton, I am commanded by my Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty to transmit, for your information and guidance, copies of correspondence which has passed between this Department and the Foreign Office on the subject.
2. You have already been informed by telegraph that Her Majesty's Government do not approve of the occupation of Port Hamilton; but that, in conformity with the views expressed by the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, in his telegraphic instructions to Sir Harry Parkes, you are, in case of positive danger to British subjects, to take such other steps as may appear to you essential for their security; also that Her Majesty's ship "Sylvia" may be employed in surveying the south-west coast of Corea, as suggested in your telegram 20th July.*
3. Copies of the telegrams received from, and addressed to, you on this subject are annexed.
I am, &c. (Signed)
ROBERT HALL.
Sir,
Inclosure 6 in No. 104.
Admiralty to Foreign Office.
Admiralty, July 23, 1875.
I AM commanded by my Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty to transmit, for the information of the Earl of Derby, the accompanying decypher of a telegram* received this day from Vice-Admiral
* Inclosure 2.
4 T
[1103]
Page 373
Page 373
Page 373