function should de-volve upon the Officer Commanding the Troops, in the absence of the Governor and of the Colonial Secretary. A dormant Commission will accordingly be issued to that Officer, unless the Secretary of State for War, who will be consulted on the matter, should have any objection to this.
DRAFT.
The Under Sec. of State War Office MINUTE. 21 Feb Mr. Johnson 21 Mr. De Robeck 21 Mr. Wingfield. X Mr. Bramston. 2/ Mr. Meade. Sir R. Herbert. Mr. Ashley. Lord Derby, 22.
22. for cons 73283 318 183 449/84 Day/524 H. Rong Jade 366 Downing Street, 1884 22 February
I am directed by the Earl of Derby to request you to inform the Marquis of Hartington that his Lordship has had under consideration the desirability of entrusting the administration of the Government of Hong Kong to the officer commanding...