This document is the Property of Her Britannic Majesty's Government.
FAIRS OF CHINA
CONFIDENTIAL.
No.1.
Marnix
[April 18.]
308
SECTION II.
66
No. 70.)
(Telegraphic.) P.
The Marquess of Salisbury to Mr. Bax-Ironside.
Foreign Office, April 16, 1899.
HONG KONG extension. Following telegram was received to-day from Governor of Hong Kong: "With reference to my telegram of yesterday, Officer Commanding the troops at Taipohu reports that musketry fire was opened on our men by a force of 1,000 men with guns, which he has found posted on the opposite hill. The fire was returned by our men, but he reports no casualties. I have sent on half-battalion of Hong Kong Regiment to support the company. The Mandarin, sent here to-day by the Viceroy, assures me the force in question are not Chinese troops. I have telegraphed to the Viceroy demanding assurances that this is the case. I learn from independent information that the opponents are village troops from Shamsbun and the district north of it. I hoist flag on the 16th April by advice of the Attorney-General.”
[1883 -11]