}
305
COPY.
Confidential.
0.0.
Peking. October 2, 1912.
37090
Rec
Sir,
Real 23 NOV 12,
With reference to Mr. Severn's despatch No. 2194/1912 of the 8th. of May last, I have the honour to inform Your Excellency that an opportunity recently presented itself of sounding the Inspector-General of Customs as to the prospect of the Chinese Government agreeing to make an increased contribution towards the cost of the light on Gap Rock.
Mr. Aglen's view, which is embodied in the enclosed letter and appears to be borne out by the records, is to the effect that no sufficient grounds seem to exist upon which an appeal could be made to the Chinese Government in favour of a departure from one of the fundamental principles of the Agreement of 1888, namely that the light should be constructed and maintain- -edat the expense of Hongkong. This view night perhaps be subject to modification if it could be shown that the value of the light to Chinese shipping is out of all proportion to the nominal amount which the Chinese Authorities contribute towards its upkeep.
I have not broached in any quarter the suggest- -ion for the cession of Gap Rock to the Colony for, as I have al- -ready stated, I am convinced that in the present temper of the Chinese it would not be entertained.
In these circumstances I should be glad to learn whether Your Excellency has any further considerations to urge in favour of an increased annual contribution from the Chinese Government or whether you would wish me to approach them with a fonal request for a special grant towards the cost of re- -newing the lantern apparatus which Mr. Aglen states he is prepared to recommend.
His Excellency
Sir F. H. May, Kỵ.C.M.G., Hongkong.
I have etc.,
(Sd.) J. N. Jordan.