EN CLOSURE
1 en
11402
REG C MAY
Midnight.
3rd. April, 1899.
469
Hon. Colonial Secretary.
The Interpreter who was with Mr. May has returned with a note saying that he and his party of Sikhs and Chinese were attacked by the villagers of Tai Po Hu and that he has retired to the matshed at Tai Po Hu which he will hold until morning. I have requested the General to send a force of 200 men and the Commodore to have steam on two Torpedo Boats as soon as possible.
You will accompany the party and take immediate Civil charge of the expedition so far as I can gather from the Interpreter who brought the note, there has been no actual attack, only a riot. About 40 or 50 men assembled with stones and threatened Mr. May and his party. I desire to avoid any hostilities except as a defensive measure or so far as may be necessary to relieve Mr. May should you find him attacked. He has sent for the San On Magistrate. You should communicate with the Kowloon Authority and request him to send 200 men forthwith and protect the matshed. You will so soon as an answer has been received withdraw Mr. May's party, leaving the responsibility of protecting the matshed to the Chinese. I do not desire to assume any responsibility in the matter until I have taken