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the Indo-Chinese Peninsula, and generally, concerning the present relations between France and China, I have the honour to transmit herewith
in the original, a copy of a telegram received on the 19th ultimo
by Admiral Meyer, Commanding the French Naval Forces now at Hong Kong from the Governor of Cochin-China.
2. This telegram was at once communicated to me by Admiral Meyer, who observed, however, that the Treaty made with Annam will not necessarily put an end to the existing hostilities in Tonquin, nor to the strained relations between France and China. The Black Flags, who are fighting the French in Tonquin, are not mainly Annamites, but rather (as I have said in a previous despatch) the remnants of the formidable army, which long held some of the Provinces of China. There can be no reasonable doubt but that the Black Flags receive recruits and supplies of arms and ammunition from across the neighbouring Chinese frontier.
3. I have seen Mr. O'Conor...