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We however, view with alarm the possibility,
which is suggested by recent events, that it may be in
contemplation to retain the jurisdiction of the Chinese
Authorities to a certain extent within the newly leased
territory. Any such dual control between the British
and Chinese Authorities would, in our opinion, prove
unworkable, and would indubitably lead, to a considerable
loss of prestige on our part in the eyes of the Chinese
besides causing much friction and trouble.
Delimitation is the prime necessity and could be
accomplished by a Military survey party.
Grave mistakes have been made in the past
involving loss of prestige for example by tacitly
acquiescing in the presence of the Chinese Customs in
the Colony,
and we would earnestly urge that all
possibility of similar weakness in the future be carefully
guarded against.
Every vestige of Chinese rule should be swept
away between 22°40'Non the North and the Gap rock
inclusive on the South, and between the meridans of
113.40E and 114.45E respectively.
In our original suggestion we advocated that
the line to the South should include the Gap Rock and
we beg leave to urgently repeat that recommendation.
The importance of the Gap Rock is two-fold.
1.
It has a lighthouse upon it, the control of
which ought to belong to Great Britain in the
event of war, and,
2.
There is a direct cable from the Gap Rock to
Hong Kong which might prove of considerable
•
service in time of war.
We leave entirely to the discretion of your
Committee the question whether the whole or any portion
of this letter should be published.
6
}