CONFIDENTIAL.
MEMORANDUM FOR EXECUTIVE COUNCIL.
COLONIAL OFFICE,
September 27th 1899.
577.
Sir:-
I am directed by the Marquess of Salisbury to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 22nd instant forwarding a copy of a further despatch from the Governor of Hongkong relative to the occupation of Sham Chun.
It is important, in Lord Salisbury's opinion, that Sham Chun should continue in British occupation for the present. At the same time, His Lordship quite understands the anxiety felt by Sir H. Blake for the definite settlement of the boundary, and there will be no unnecessary delay in deciding the date of its retrocession to the Chinese.
I am,
Sir,
Your most obedient,
humble Servant,
Francis Bertie.
Under Secretary of State,
Colonial Office.
No. 25166.
Page 577
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