CHINA
15
be inconsistent with military requirements," the exercise of Chinese jurisdiction in Kowloon City had been abundantly proved to be not only "inconsistent with military requirements "but a positive source of danger to Hong Kong. On 24th December, 1899, the Yamen addressed a secret letter to Her Majesty's Chargé setting forth a new argument, namely, that the position as regards Kowloon was analogous to that of Kinchow within the Port Arthur area leased to Russia and that if Kowloon were not administered by Chinese officials it might cause Russia to conceive designs to the detriment of China. On 2nd January, 1900, Sir Claude MacDonald transmitted to the Chinese Government a copy of the Note of 30th May, 1899, mentioned above, and stated that he could hold out no hope of their request being granted.
16. This appears to have ended the official correspondence with the Yamen. In January 1900, however, at interviews with Sir Claude MacDonald, the Governor of Hong Kong and Her Majesty's Consul at Canton, the newly-appointed Chinese Viceroy of Canton again raised the question of the restoration of Chinese jurisdiction over Kowloon. His main argument appears to have been the analogy with Kinchow.
17. The matter was submerged in the anti-foreign agitation leading up to the Boxer Rebellion which took place later in 1900 and the Hong Kong authorities have continued since then to exercise jurisdiction over Kowloon City. So far as is known the Chinese Government did not make any further protest until 1933.
PAPER B
Convention between Great Britain and China respecting an Extension of Hong Kong Territory. Signed at Peking, 9th June, 1898
[Signed also in Chinese]
[Ratifications exchanged at London, 6th August, 1898.]
Whereas it has for many years past been recognised that an extension of Hong Kong territory is necessary for the proper defence and protection of the Colony.
Enlargement of British Territory, Under Lease
It has now been agreed between the Governments of Great Britain and China that the limits of British territory shall be enlarged under lease to the extent indi- cated generally on the annexed map. The exact boundaries shall be hereafter fixed when proper surveys have been made by officials appointed by the two Govern- ments. The term of this lease shall be ninety-nine years.
Jurisdiction
It is, at the same time, agreed that within the city of Kowloon the Chinese officials now stationed there shall continue to exercise jurisdiction except so far as may be inconsistent with the military requirements for the defence of Hong Kong. Within the remainder of the newly-leased territory Great Britain shall have sole jurisdiction. Chinese officials and people shall be allowed as heretofore to use the road from Kowloon to Hsinan.
Use of Landing Place, near Kowloon, by Chinese
It is further agreed that the existing landing-place near Kowloon City shall be reserved for the convenience of Chinese men-of-war, merchant and passenger vessels, which may come and go and lie there at their pleasure; and for the con- venience of movement of the officials and people within the city.
Railway
When hereafter China constructs a railway to the boundary of the Kowloon territory under British control, arrangements shall be discussed.
No Expropriation or Expulsion of Natives
It is further understood that there will be no expropriation or expulsion of the inhabitants of the district included within the extension, and that if land is required for public offices, fortifications, or the like official purposes, it shall be bought at a fair price.