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and fully protect workers. A considerable force will be necessary. I have directed the relieving force now proceeding in one of Her Majesty's Ships not to do more than relieve British subjects, except they are attacked".
I telegraphed again on the 5th as follows:-
*Inform Viceroy troops not yet arrived neither has Sun-On Magistrate issued Viceroy's proclamation. The names of ringleaders monday's attack given Kowloon authority but instructions from Viceroy to Sun-On Magistrate to arrest guilty parties necessary. Please request that instructions be given
10. In response to those telegrams I was informed that 600 soldiers had been sent into the leased area to preserve order. Immediately after the occurrence I considered the position in Executive Council and decided not to take over the territory until the 17th as the occurrence seemed to be nothing more than a sudden affray, and as the Viceroy had accepted all the responsibility, and undertaken to afford protection, the contractor could go on and reconstruct the matsheds. The contractor resumed work and finished the matsheds on the 14th instant sufficiently to enable them to be occupied.
II.
On the 7th instant I issued a proclamation in Chinese a copy of which I annex, and published a notice in the Gazette that I would take over the territory in accordance with Her Majesty's Order in Council. On the 19th I also informed the Viceroy through Her Majesty's Consul.