M. Stubbs
Article 5 of the Royal Instructions refers only to the Executive. In the absence of Major General Gascoigne the Colony the next senior officer succeeds him in the Executive and Leg: Councils immed: under the provisions of the Royal Inst: and nothing has to be done: but it is convenient that the Sovereign should report such changes. In the same way, the Acting Treasurer succeeds the Treasurer in both Councils.
My Sovereign should not have appointed provisionally in either Council. They are ex: officio appointments.
Lucas are ex: ...
Jou 3/9/01 ach with 30806.
has Abrians minute Not edi 20.279.
Sir,
Government House, Hongkong, 30th July, 1901.
I have the honour to report that I have provisionally appointed Colonel Louis Faulkner Brown, of the Corps of Royal Engineers, to be a Member of the Executive and Legislative Councils during the absence on leave of His Excellency Major-General W. J. Gascoigne, Officer commanding the Troops in China and Hongkong.
2. Major-General Gascoigne has been granted leave of absence by the War Office from the 17th instant to the 30th September, 1901, and during his absence the command of Troops devolved on Colonel Brown.
3. In accordance with paragraph 5 of the Royal Instructions, I have the honour to request that His Majesty the King's pleasure regarding the above appointments may be communicated to me in reply.
I have the honour to be, Sir, Your most obedient Humble servant, Henry Arthur Blake Governor, &c.
THE RIGHT HONOURABLE JOSEPH CHAMBERLAIN, M.P.