and emoluments of the Chinese Magistrate or
Magistrates in the town of Kowloon, but to
assimilate, as far as was possible, Chinese
to British procedure, so as to prevent the
possibility of future friction and scandal.
10. The Convention for the extension of Hong
Kong was signed on June 9th, 1898, and on the
same date a letter was sent to the Colonial
Office saying that their suggestions
regarding Chinese jurisdiction could only
delay the signature of the Convention and that
if it was found in practice that the Chinese
methods of administering justice were such as
to bring discredit on Her Majesty's Government,
as the leaseholder of the territory, some
arrangement could be negotiated with the
Chinese Government to remedy the evil.
11. The handing over of the territories
leased under the Convention of 9th June, 1898,
including Kowloon, was the subject of
negotiations between H.M.G. and the Government
of China in the first quarter of 1899. The
date fixed for handing over the territory
was 17th April, 1899. Nevertheless, the
Chinese authorities created difficulties and
local mobs caused disturbances.
To avoid
further trouble, the territory was taken over
by the Hong Kong Government on 16th April,
1899.
12. Both before and after this date, Chinese
troops and mobs made attacks on British
officials and troops. Moreover, on 18th
April, 1899, the Governor of Hong Kong reported
that a force of 600 Chinese troops had been
sent into Kowloon City. Chinese Minis ters
denied/
History of the Dispute as to Jurisdiction over Kowloon City, 1898-1933.
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