if Lord Salisbury wishes any communication to be made a Subject to the Governor of Hong Kong.
3. A paraphrase of this telegram has also been forwarded to the Admiralty.
Foreign Office
Janst 22/2)
Paraphrase of Telegram from Sir H. Blake to Mr Chamberlain
24 Jan. 1900.
I have received information from reliable sources that it is intended to place four French torpedo-boats of the Snipe class on the West River next month, also four large lighters, which would be suitable for carrying material.
As there is no French trade on the West River, I presume that these boats are intended for aggressive purposes.