PUBLIC RECORD OFFICE
Reference :-
C.O. 882
ALLY WITHOUT PERMISSION OF THE BE REPRODUCED PHOTOGRAPHIC-
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3. I hear conflicting accounts of the feeling of the people, but I think that in the main it is friendly. The inhabitants on the Deep Bay side do not bear a very good re- putation, and it will be necessary to have a fair show of force when hoisting the flag.
4. I assume that all the public buildings belonging to the Chinese Government are to be handed over to this Government, and that all Chinese officials are to be re- moved from the leased territory and their powers and duties are to cease and determine from the moment that the flag is hoisted.
5. I enclose for your information copy of a letter addressed to me by Mr. Stewart Lockhart, and of its enclosures relative to the progress of his negotiations with the Delimitation Commissioner appointed by the Chinese Government.
SIR,
(No. 428.)
I have, &c.,
HENRY A. BLAKE,
1
Governor, &c.
Enclosure 1 in No. 102. (Map.*)
Enclosure in No. 102.
Colonial Secretary's Office, March 16, 1899. I HAVE the honour to acknowledge the receipt of the instrument signed by Your Excellency appointing me, under instructions from the Secretary of State for the Colonies, the representative of Great Britain for fixing the boundaries of the extension of the Colony of Hong Kong.
2. Acting under that instrument I have held two interviews with the Commis- sioner appointed by the Government of China for the delimitation of the frontier of the extension of the Colony of Hong Kong. I now enclose for transmission to the Secre- 14th March -tary of State for the Colonies a written account of those interviews which I have already
reported to you orally.
11th and
1899.
3. I am glad to be able to state that after considerable difficulty I have induced the Commissioner for China to agree to the north bank of the Sham Chun River to its source as the boundary between British and Chinese territory. It is gratifying to me to have succeeded in securing in the new extension complete control of that river which on the map attached to the Convention is not included within the territory leased to Great Britain. It is scarcely necessary to point out that without such complete control the development of the territory would have been rendered very difficult.
4. In my report to the Colonial Office of the 8th October last, I strongly recom- mend that the town of Sham Chun should be included in the leased territory, and I stated at some length the reasons for my recommendation. I enclose a copy of that portion of my report dealing with this matter. Nothing has occurred since that re- port was written to modify in any way my views on this subject, and I trust that in he interests of Great Britain, the British Minister at Peking will be able, by diplomatic representations, to secure that not only the town of Sham Chun, but also the town of Sha Tau Kok will be included within the British boundary.
5. I am about to proceed to-day to delimit with the Chinese Commissioner the boundary agreed upon between us, which is described in the agreement signed before Your Excellency at Government House on the 14th instant, a copy of which is en- closed. I will in due course report the result of our mission.
His Excellency
Sir Henry A. Blake, G.C.M.G.,
Governor of Hong Kong,
&c.,
&C..
&c.
I have, &c.,
J. H. STEWART LOCKHART.
Report of the interview between Mr. Stewart Lockhart and Mr. Wong Tsun Shin.
At about 11 a.m. on the 11th March, 1899, Mr. Wong Tsun Shin called upon Mr. Stewart Lockhart at the Colonial Secretary's Office, and was conducted into the
• Not reproduced.
↑ Section headed "Boundary line," p. 17 [50] of No. 38, with the exception of the last paragraph.
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Council Chamber, where the interview took place. Mr. Wong was accompanied by an interpreter, Mr. Ki Wai and a Chinese merchant of Hong Kong, Mr. Tsoi Tsz Chong. Mr. Tsoi Yeuk Shan of the Registrar-General's Office acted as interpreter throughout the interview.
Mr. Stewart Lockhart: When did you come down to Hong Kong?
Mr. Wong Tsun Shin: I came by the Chinese gunboat " Kwong Li" last night. Mr. Stewart Lockhart: Had you a pleasant passage?
Mr. Wong Tsun Shin: Yes, thanks; a very calm passage.
Mr. Stewart Lockhart then produced a map of the San On district, on which the new extension is situated, whilst Mr. Wong Tsun Shin at the same time took out of his boot a map of the same district, which he said was a copy of the map sent to Canton by the Tsung Li Yamen. No streams or hills were shown upon this map, which Mr. Stewart Lockhart at once pointed out was quite incorrect and worthless for the pur- pose settling a boundary. A larger map was then produced by Mr. Wong Tsun Shin which had no hills marked on it, and which could not be used as a guide for pur- poses of delimitation.
Mr. Stewart Lockhart: I suppose you are aware that Great Britain is to have the lease the territory between Deep Bay and Mirs Bay.
Mr. Wong Tsun Shin: The Tsung Li Yamen has sent down this small map, on which is marked the boundary line.
Mr. Stewart Lockhart: It will be impossible to follow the line indicated, as it is not correct and appears to cut into so many villages.
Mr. Wong Tsun Shin: We can decide that such villages be included within the Chinese or British side in the following manner. If the village has more houses on the British side then the whole of the village can be regarded as falling within the British boundary, and if more on the Chinese side then the village can be included within the Chinese boundary.
Mr. Stewart Lockhart: The Convention states that the line indicates only generally what the boundary may be, and is not therefore a line which must be fol- lowed without any deviation. This line, as you will see, does not include all the river of Sham Chun. Under the Convention the waters of Deep Bay as well as those of Mirs Bay are to be leased. Now the Sham Chun River is a tidal river, the tide from Deep Bay running beyond Sham Chun. Why should not the Sham Chun River be regarded as part of the waters of Deep Bay?.
Mr. Wong Tsun Shin: What do you think would be a satisfactory line?
Mr. Stewart Lockhart: It would in my opinion be best to fix a natural boundary. As I have already pointed out, the maps produced by you are incorrect, and it is there- fore impossible to follow the line marked on them. A natural boundary such as I think best calculated to prevent difficulties arising between Great Britain and China exists, and in the interests of both countries I am strongly in favour of adopting that boundary. In stating my opinion I wish it to be clearly understood that the possession of more territory is not the object aimed at. If such were the object Great Britain could adopt very different methods for attaining it. But, as you are aware, Great Britain has not been desirous of annexing territory unless driven to such action by the course of events. Its policy has been a friendly one towards China.
Mr. Wong Tsun Shin: I fully realise that a strong Power like Great Britain, with its great naval and military resources, could, without difficulty, annex territory in China if that were its object, but, as you say, it has been guided in its dealings with China by feelings of friendship.
As
Mr. Stewart Lockhart: I am glad you understand the position, as such an under- standing will, I trust, facilitate our negotiations. I will show you on a map I have by me the boundary line which I consider best (map of the German Mission produced). you will see, the line I propose starts from the head of Deep Bay and runs along the base of the hills passing Sham Chun on the north, and running by Ng Tung Shan to the north of Sha Tau Kok. If this line be agreed upon as the boundary the Government of Great Britain would be prepared to assist the Government of China in the matter of opium and arms. In the case of the former the Government of Hong Kong will be ready to arrange a system of bonding all opium arriving in the Colony whereby China can collect its duty on opium easily and effectively. As to arms, strict regulations will be made to prevent any illegitimate trade in them being carried on from the Colony.
Mr. Wong Tsun Shin: But what about the collecting of Likin?
Mr. Stewart Lockhart: Likin is a subject on which I know you are a great au-
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PUBLIC RECORD OFFICE
Reference :--
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COPYRIGHT PHOTOGRAPH—NOT TO
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thority, but it does not seem to come within the terms of my appointment as officer to fix the boundaries of the new territory.
Mr. Wong Tsun Shin: But has not the term of the present opium farm some time to run before it expires?
Mr. Stewart Lockhart: Yes; but that is a matter that can no doubt be arranged. What I now wish to know is whether the line of demarcation which I regard as the best is one which commends itself to you? Have you any objection to it?
Mr. Wong Tsun Shin (after carefully examining the line indicated on the maps): If I had full powers to deal with the matter I would not object to the boundary line you propose. But I am only a deputy of the Viceroy and I must report to him first.
Mr. Stewart Lockhart: Am I to understand that if you had full powers you would agree to the line I have suggested, and which you have examined?
Mr. Wong Tsun Shin: Yes; had I full powers I would agree to the boundary you have suggested. But as I am now situated, I must report your views to the Viceroy. I will telegraph to him and also send him a report.
Mr. Stewart Lockhart: In my opinion telegrams and reports only delay matters, and may lead to misunderstanding. Would it not be better for you, who are now in of views and understand the reasons why I consider the boundary I have suggested the most satisfactory for Great Britain and China, to see the Viceroy and explain matters to him?
passession
my
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Mr. Wong Tsun Shin: Very well; I will return to Canton to-day for that purpose and meet you again as soon as possible. There are one or two other matters regarding which the Viceroy desires information. In cases of piracy would Chinese men-of-war be allowed to make captures in British waters?
Mr. Stewart Lockhart: Captures in British waters would undoubtedly be regu- lated by the recognised laws dealing with such matters; but the Viceroy may be assured that Great Britain is as anxious as anyone can be that piracy should be suppressed as it is a great hindrance to trade. That anxiety has recently been shown by the frequent representations made to the Viceroy regarding piracy on the West River, which still seems to be rife. In this connection I would remind you that men-of-war belonging to China are by the Convention allowed to make use of the waters of Deep Bay and Mirs Bay, so that co-operation between the two Governments for the suppression of piracy should be easily arranged.
Mr. Wong Tsun Shin: Will the stations of the Imperial Maritime Customs at Kau Lung, Kap Shiu Mun, Cheung Chow, and elsewhere be removed when the new territory is taken over by the British Government?
But I can
Mr. Stewart Lockhart: That is a matter which does not rest with me. give you the information which has already been made public, that they are to be re- moved. The Government of Great Britain in furtherance of its policy to prevent as far as possible smuggling from the Colony of Hong Kong, is, however, prepared to help China in the matter of the collection of her duties on opium and of the export of arms from Hong Kong into China.
Mr. Wong Tsun Shin: What rent will be paid for the lease of the new territory.? Mr. Stewart Lockhart: I do not know. That is a question which cannot be settled
by me. Is any rent paid for Kiao Chow by the German Government or for Port Arthur by the Russian Government? I think China may rest satisfied that Great Britain, animated by feelings of friendship, will deal as fairly with China in this matter as any other Power.
Mr. Wong Tsun Shin: Will the Chinese or the British Government collect the land-tax in the new territory?
Mr. Stewart Lockhart: I do not know whether you are asking that question seriously?
Mr. Wong Tsun Shin: Of course! the British Government will collect it.
Mr. Wong Tsun Shin: When the boundary is settled I think you will agree with me that boundary stones properly inscribed should be erected along the line showing clearly which is the British and which is the Chinese boundary.
Mr. Stewart Lockhart: Certainly, the boundary should be properly marked. Perhaps it would be well to erect a palisade such as exists at present between British and Chinese Kau Lung. But such matters of detail can be arranged without difficulty. Mr. Wong Tsun Shin: Will you allow me to take your map to Canton to show it to the Viceroy?
Mr. Stewart Lockhart: Certainly, with pleasure. I trust you now understand clearly what boundary seems best in the interest of both countries, and what assistance
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Great Britain is prepared to give China in the way of controlling the trade in opium and arms when the question of the boundary has been settled. I have also attempted to show
you that Great Britain is most anxious that piracy should be suppressed, and to indicate that China may expect every encouragement in its endeavours in that direction. Mr. Wong Tsun Shin: Yes; I understand clearly the various points that we have discussed.
After an interchange of the usual courtesies the interview ended at 12.15 p.m.
Report of Second Interview between Mr. Stewart Lockhart and Mr. Wong Tsun Shin. Mr. Wong Tsun Shin called upon Mr. Stewart Lockhart in the Council Chamber at 2.30 p.m. on the 14th March, 1899,
Mr. Stewart Lockhart: What is the result of your interview in Canton with Viceroy Tam?
Mr. Wong Tsun Shin: The Viceroy informed me that he has no power to accept your proposed boundary because Sham Chun has a fort and Sha Tau Kok is a large market centre. The line on the map which the British Minister gave the Tsung Li Yamen hampers the Viceroy in dealing with the matter. If it had been arranged in Pekin that the boundary was to be fixed by Commissioners without any line having been drawn it would have given us more freedom to deal with the question. As matters now stand the Viceroy and I have very limited powers.
Mr. Stewart Lockhart: I have already told you that it is, in my opinion, necessary that Sham Chun and Sha Tau Kok should come within the British boundary in order to remove the risk of future complications between the two countries.
Mr. Wong Tsun Shin: Sham Chun and the surrounding district are infested with rebels and if we hand over that town to Great Britain, the Chinese Government will never be able to capture the rebels.
Mr. Stewart Lockhart: If that district comes within our jurisdiction, you may rest assured that good order will be maintained.
Mr. Wong Tsun Shin: But as at present instructed from Pekin the Viceroy would
not dare give up Sham Chun and Sha Tau Kok.
Mr. Stewart Lockhart: If Pekin consents to give up those two places will the Viceroy or yourself have any objections.
Mr. Wong Tsun Shin: No; we will simply follow orders and hand over the dis- trict if directed to do so. I would suggest that the southern branch of the Sham Chun River be taken as a boundary.
Mr. Stewart Lockhart: If that is the only proposal you have to make I must refuse
to continue negotiations as it will only be a waste of time to discuss a proposal which cannot be accepted.
Mr. Wong Tsun Shin: I am merely making a suggestion.
Mr. Stewart Lockhart: It is a suggestion which I cannot entertain.
Mr. Wong Tsun Shin (examining the map): What do you think of a boundary from
the mouth of the Sham Chun River right up to its source and thence to Sha Tau Kok, leaving Sham Chun and Sha Tau Kok in Chinese territory.
Mr. Stewart Lockhart: The north bank of the river will be the boundary, I pre- sume. By this I mean that the whole of the river will be within the British boundary.
Mr. Wong Tsun Shin: Well; if you wish it, let it be so.
Mr. Stewart Lockhart: I have already told you that I consider it necessary in the interests of both countries that Sham Chun and Sha Tau Kok should come within the British line of territory. I see no reason to change that view. But you inform me that neither you nor the Viceroy has power to hand over Sham Chun and Sha Tau Kok: that matter must therefore be reserved for discussion at Pekin. In the meantime I will inform His Excellency the Governor that you are prepared to delimit a frontier taking the north bank of the Sham Chun river as the boundary up to its source north west of Sha Tau Kok and thence to Mirs Bay, immediately to the west of Sha Tau Kok, and that the question of Sham Chun and Sha Tau Kok must be settled at Pekin.
you.
Mr. Wong Tsun Shin: I am prepared to fix the boundary you have just mentioned: Mr. Stewart Lockhart: I will ask His Excellency the Governor if he will receive
The interview ended at 3.15 and Mr. Wong Tsun Shin called at Government House at 3.30 p.m., where he was received by His Excellency the Governor, and where an
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