Good pairing to raise their spirits in time.
In the west, we want to keep them there for a while or so on 11/5.
11789 CPZ
During writing,
a preferred instruction 16789.
Containing sending off their attention to the last sentence.
Ew 1st May.
Call S (paraphrase).
Telegram 84.
PRINTED FOR USE IN THE EASTERN COLONIAL OFFICE.
No.
Governor Sir H.A. Blake to Mr. Chamberlain.
Received Colonial Office 9:55 p.m. 10th May 1899.
[Acknowledged by No. 11789/57]
In reply to your telegram of 9th May, I have sufficient force. I would send 100 men into Kowloon and take possession; and send 2000 to Sham Chun. Just returned from Deep Bay. We ought to take the valley up to the hills as first proposed, if we cross the river. Jardin's have asked for a concession for coal, as lignite has been discovered in the hills south of Deep Bay running north-east; satisfied that it may be valuable.
Received a report on my return from the Chief Superintendent of Police, who has reliable information from an informer in Sham Chun that on May 6th, over 140 fighting men arrived in the neighbourhood from Tung Kun to form a nucleus for the people of the Sham Chun district, who propose an attack upon our territory. Not feeling strong enough, 60 men have been sent back to Tung Kun to collect more men.
It is therefore probable that another attack will be made from the north of the river. The General thinks that another regiment will be necessary if the territory up to the hills is to be held. He thinks a good Chinese regiment could be raised in the district; so do I.
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