NO.
Government House,
Hongkong,
3rd January, 1900.
Enclosure to Despatch of 1899.
Sir,
I have the honour to forward for your information a translation of an Imperial Edict issued on the 20th December. The Edict is a plain invitation to secure by any means the murder of a person who is living peaceably in the British Colony. Since Kang Yu Wei arrived in the Colony he has lived a very retired life, rarely leaving his house. His visitors are almost exclusively members of his clan.
I have no evidence to show that he is engaged in any active propaganda against the Chinese Government.
2. I need hardly point out that such an Edict as that now enclosed compels me to take every means in my power to protect Kang Yu Wei while he is in the Colony, as the alternative to abandoning him to probable assassination either by persons sent down from Canton, or by some persons among the large Chinese population of Hongkong who might be induced to murder him by the "Extraordinary reward" offered. This duty entails at present the employment of eighteen Constables, the expense of which force ought, I submit, to be claimed from the Chinese Government.
I have the honour to be,
Sir,
Your most obedient
Humble Servant,
GOVERNOR, &c.
THE RIGHT HONOURABLE
JOSEPH CHAMBERLAIN, M.P.,
&c., &c., &c.