0472.
CONFIDENTIAL.
Sir,
Copy
27953 35
Admiralty, G.S.W.,
8th August 1901.
Go With reference to your letter of the 18th May, No.16653/1901, transmitting a copy of a despatch from the Governor of Hong Kong on the subject of French activity in Southern China,- I am commanded by My Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty to request you will represent to Mr Secretary Chamberlain that it is hoped that two additional River Gunboats of the improved "WOODLARK" type will be ready to be sent out to Hong Kong at the end of this month.
2. In the meantime the Commander-in-Chief on the China Station has other vessels at his disposal which could be sent to Canton and to the West River should they be required.
3. I am to add that Sir Cyprian Bridge, who has recently arrived at Hong Kong, has been directed by telegraph to place himself in communication with the Governor, and to consult with him as to the desirability of immediately increasing the Naval Force at Canton from the Ships at his disposal, and, after consultation with Sir H. Blake he will doubtless send more vessels up the River.
4.
The Foreign Office has been informed to a similar effect.
The Under
Secretary of State,
COLONIAL OFFICE.
I am,
Sir,
Your obedient Servant,
C. I. Unwin Pro Ser