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the inhabitants, it was welcomed by them. But as soon as it leaked out, as it did, that we were only there for a time, then a change occurred, and those who had been first to welcome us and to assist us felt that their position would be difficult on our departure. So signs of disturbance were soon apparent, not of a very pronounced type, but suffi- cient to show the spirit which animated the people. These were put down firmly, but justly. But then arose a far greater difficulty. Every Chinaman who had a private grudge against his neighbour took the opportunity of our presence to have his revenge. The forces of law, such as they were, had disappeared on our arrival, and yet it was extremely difficult for the troops to settle private differences. Major Prendergast, acting by my instructions, endeavoured, and with success, to gain the confidence of the elders and principal people of the villages, and to impress on them the necessity for their own sakes of preserving order; but the Chinese are a peculiar people, and though they are very quick to grasp the policy of our non-intervention in their own internal affairs, yet they were slow to take any steps towards their own protection. it became apparent after a time that they were cunningly using our non-intervention in their internal affairs to their own ends, for it reached me that a number of bad characters were gathering under the protection of the troops, as it was, and from thence were making raids outside, sometimes even in British territory. This could not be tolerated for an instant, and yet it was. difficult to know under what law to punish offenders. I had many instances that they were sharp enough to put themselves, when in custody, in the hands of clever lawyers in Hong Kong, who were quick enough to demand under what law these men were to be dealt with. And the Chinese authorities who were appealed to over and over again to receive and deal with their own people by their own law, put off the matter with one excuse after another, and to this day have never really faced the matter. The sole punishments which were found to be of any effect were by quartering a few men in any troublesome village or town, and making the place pay for their maintenance. I mention all this at such length because other- wise, as things have gone peaceably and quietly since our occupation, it might not be realised how difficult the task was, and how much tact was requisite to prevent trouble which might easily have caused the intervention of Her Majesty's Government. To Major Prendergast therefore is due the credit of this, and he brings before me the names of Captain Rowcroft, of the Hong Kong Regiment, and of Lieutenant Peiniger, of the Hong Kong Singapore Battery Royal Artillery.

Major Prendergast states that both these officers rendered him most valuable assistance. I propose to forward a copy of this letter to the Horse Guards.

150.

No. 289.

I have, &c.,

W. J. GASCOIGNE,

Major-General.

1332.

No. 290.

FOREIGN OFFICE to COLONIAL OFFICE.

(Received January 12, 1900.)

[Copy to Director of Military Intelligence, January 26, 1900. 3 P.N.]

[Answered by Nos. 293 and 301.]

SIR,

Foreign Office, January 11, 1900. I AM directed by the Marquess of Salisbury to transmit to you a map of Hong Kong and the neighbouring territories marked I.D. No. 1393, which has been received from the Director of Military Intelligence with an enquiry whether His Lordship sees any objection to its being placed on sale to the public.

It will be observed that the land boundary of the colony, as recently extended, does not appear on the map.

As the delimitation of the boundary has now been completed, I am to suggest that, if the Secretary of State for the Colonies sees no objection, the Director of Military In- telligence should be supplied with the particulars necessary to enable him to mark the line on the map, and should be informed that when thus completed there is no objection to its publication.

If Mr. Chamberlain agrees to this course, I am to request that the information in regard to the new boundary may be forwarded to this Office for transmission to Sir John Ardagh.

657

(No. 9.)

SIR,

No. 291.

I am, &c.,

FRANCIS BERTIE.

MR. CHAMBERLAIN to GOVERNOR SIR H. A. BLAKE. [Answered by No. 307.|

Downing Street, January 11, 1900. WITH reference to your telegram of the 4th November last,† I have the honour to forward two copies of an Order of Her Majesty in Council, dated the 27th December last, declaring the City of Kowloon to be for all intents and purposes part and parcel of the Colony of Hong Kong, and applying to that city the provisions of the Order in Council of 20th October, 1898.

2. I have to request that you will cause this Order in Council to be published in the Colony at the earliest possible date.

PUBLIC RECORD OFFICE

Reference :--

6

TRIPLIC.O. 882

5 PUBLIC RECORD OFFICE, LONDON

ALLY WITHOUT PERMISSION OF THE BE REPRODUCED PHOTOGRAPHIC-

COPYRIGHT PHOTOGRAPH—NOT TO

SIR.

COLONIAL OFFICE to ADMIRALTY.

I AM directed by Mr. Governor, 282, Oct. 6, 1899.* To Foreign Office, Dec. 6, 1899,* Foreign Office, Dec. 14, 1899." To Law OfBec, Dec. 19, 1899.⚫ Law Officers, Jan. 1, 1900.†

[Answered by No. 298.]

Downing Street, January 9, 1900. Secretary Chamberlain to transmit, for the consideration of the Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty, copy of correspondence* which has taken place with reference to the ownership of the foreshore of Mirs Bay and Deep Bay under the Hong Kong Convention of 1898. I am to enquire whether, from an Imperial point wish the British claim to the foreshore to be pressed. This point has not as yet been referred to the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs.

of view, their Lordships would

I am, &c.,

C. P. LUCAS.

• 30656 and draft, 34785 and 30656; not printed.

† No. 286.

I have, &c.,

J. CHAMBERLAIN.

Enclosure in No. 291.

At the Court at Windsor.

The 27th day of December, 1899.

PRESENT!

The Queen's Most Excellent Majesty, His Royal Highness the Duke of Connaught and Strathearne, Mr. Balfour, Mr. Ritchie.

Whereas by a Convention dated the 9th day of June, 1898, between Her Majesty and His Imperial Majesty the Emperor of China, it was provided that the limits of

• Not reproduced.

↑ No. 272A.