83
a
Chinese Proclamation (Encl. 2 in Des V. H. A. Murray's letter referred to in this letter of 5 of 15 April, 1899) the English text of which is printed on p. 21 of the Hong Kong Bluebook.
The boundaries of the new extension of British territory are therein stated (in so far as relates to the subject of this reference)
The northern boundary commences where the meridian of 114°30' East bisects the land, & follows that high-water mark to a point immediately to the west of that 'ankok'. From the mouth of the Sham Chun river the boundary follows the high water mark along the Coast of Deep Bay to the point where the meridian of 114°52' bisects the Coast.
All the islands situated within the boundary are included.
From the maps which accompany this reference it will be seen that a considerable area of land both in Mirs Bay & Deep Bay is exposed at low water, so that the ownership of the foreshore is of material importance.
(a) when China is at peace and (b) when she is at war with a Power other than Great Britain.
As regards the leased area, as well as the waters of Mirs Bay & Deep Bay.
I am to request that you will take these papers into your consideration and furnish Mr. Chamberlain with your opinion on the following points:
1. Over the Convention of June 9, 1898, and the memorandum of 19 March 1899, does H.M. Govt. acquire foreshore rights in Mirs Bay & Deep Bay? or are the rights of H.M. Govt. restricted to the area of the waters of these bays up to the line of high watermark, subject to the retention of a right of user by the Chinese Government for their vessels of war and otherwise?
FO Letter of Dec. 14, 1899