34785 RECO
FOREIGN OFFICE,
December 14th,
REGP 15 DEC 39
1899. 715
Six:-
I laid before the Marquess of Salisbury your letter 30656/99 of the 6th instant transmitting the draft of a reference to the Law Officers on the question whether the Convention of the 9th of June 1898, and the subsequent Agreement, relative to the extension of Hongkong, confer on Her Majesty's Government any foreshore rights in Mirs Bay and Deep Bay.
Lord Salisbury would suggest, for the consideration of Mr. Secretary Chamberlain, that the words "(a) when China is at peace, and (b) when she is at war with a Power other than Great Britain", should be substituted for the words "whether neutral or otherwise" at the end of the draft.
Subject to this alteration Lord Salisbury concurs.
The Under Secretary of State
Colonial Office.