CO537-3711 — Page 98

COPY.

CONFIDENTIAL

(7464)

No. 21

(Enclosure 2)

The Tsung-11 Yamen to Mr. Bax-Ironside

(Translation)

Sir,

Peking, November 15, 1899.

ON the 6th instant we received your despatch with respect to the withdrawal of the British troops from Shamchun.

I uoted at length. ;

We have the honour to coserve that it affords abundant evidence of friendly relations that Yer Majesty's Government have been able to fulfil their promiee in connection with this affair, and have instructed the dovernor of Hong Yong to withdraw the troops from thanchun within the previously determined boundary.

With regard to the protection of friendly Chinese outside this boundary we have telegraphed to the Governor- General of Canton to instruct the local authorities to act in accordance with the request.

It was, however, expressly stipulated by the Hong Kong Extension Convention that within the city of Kowloon the Chinese officials then stationed there should continue to exercise jurisdiction. The international relations of China and Great Britain are naturally guided by the provisions of the Treaties, which should be carefully observed by both nations. It is therefore right and necessary, in order that there may be no infringement of the Convention, that the officials of Ching stutioned in Kowloon city for the purpose shall continue to administer the affairs of the Chinese subjects within that town.

We have the honour to request your Excellency to telegraph at once to Her Majesty's Government requesting that, in accordance with the Convention, consent be given to the exercise of jurisdiction in Kowloon city by Chinese officials.

Thus will good faith be manifested and cordial relations remain intact.

We beg the favour of a reply.

7.

(veal of Yamen)