SECRET.
Sir,
I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your Secret Despatch of the 16th August requesting my views as to the suitability of the men of the Chinese Regiment for Service in this Colony.
2. I have only seen the Chinese Regiment once on parade at Wei-hai-wei; there they looked smart and serviceable and I believe that their conduct on active service has been satisfactory.
3. But in considering their suitability for service as a part of the Colony of Hong Kong, it is necessary to take into account the possibility of their being tampered with in case of War or of being used as spies within the Garrison, either by the Chinese or, through them, by a European Power.
4. The Northern Chinese speak Mandarin, which language is not understood in the Southern Provinces except by Officials, and, as the Cantonese in the North are looked upon as foreigners, so probably would the men of the Chinese Regiment be regarded in Hong Kong; indeed, the danger from their presence in the garrison might rather be as a disturbing element than by establishing too friendly relations. But all China is riddled
The Right Honourable
Joseph Chamberlain, M.P.
&c.
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