CO129-213 - Governor Sir Bowen - 1883 [12] — Page 24

CO129 Colonial Office Hong Kong Records 理藩院香港檔案 All AI Reviewed

4.

23

exchanges in

on this

my previous despatches on the subject, and which I know to be also entertained by, I have been informed by Sir Harry Parkes, that the Chinese have all along been playing a waiting game; that their earnest desire is for peace, but that they are making active preparations for the defence of their country, if war should be forced upon them.

3.

The final decision between peace and war with France I think will practically be taken at Paris rather than at Peking. I doubt not but that, in every event, your Lordship will cause me to be informed by telegraph of the instructions of Her Majesty's Government as to the conduct to be pursued by the Government of Hongkong. My attitude is, of course, one of complete neutrality. I am informed that, in case of war, many Chinese Merchant Ships may probably take refuge in the Port of Hongkong; while others will probably sail under the British or American Flag.

I have the honour to be,

May Lord

Your Lordship's Most Obedient

Humble Servant,

W. T. Bridges is not the correct signature, the original is 5.M.Bowen

39 1474

However, to follow the exact output format as requested:

4.

23

exchanges in

on this

my previous despatches on the subject, and which I know to be also entertained by, I have been informed by Sir Harry Parkes, that the Chinese have all along been playing a waiting game; that their earnest desire is for peace, but that they are making active preparations for the defence of their country, if war should be forced upon them.

3.

The final decision between peace and war with France I think will practically be taken at Paris rather than at Peking. I doubt not but that, in every event, your Lordship will cause me to be informed by telegraph of the instructions of Her Majesty's Government as to the conduct to be pursued by the Government of Hongkong. My attitude is, of course, one of complete neutrality. I am informed that, in case of war, many Chinese Merchant Ships may probably take refuge in the Port of Hongkong; while others will probably sail under the British or American Flag.

I have the honour to be,

May Lord

Your Lordship's Most Obedient

Humble Servant,

5.M.Bowen

39 1474

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4. 23 exchanges in on this my previous despatches on the subject, and which I know to be also entertained by, I have been informed by Sir Harry Parkes, that the Chinese have all along been playing a waiting game; that their earnest desire is for peace, but that they are making active preparations for the defence of their country, if war should be forced upon them. 3. The final decision between peace and war with France I think will practically be taken at Paris rather than at Peking. I doubt not but that, in every event, your Lordship will cause me to be informed by telegraph of the instructions of Her Majesty's Government as to the conduct to be pursued by the Government of Hongkong. My attitude is, of course, one of complete neutrality. I am informed that, in case of war, many Chinese Merchant Ships may probably take refuge in the Port of Hongkong; while others will probably sail under the British or American Flag. I have the honour to be, May Lord Your Lordship's Most Obedient Humble Servant, W. T. Bridges is not the correct signature, the original is 5.M.Bowen 39 1474 However, to follow the exact output format as requested: 4. 23 exchanges in on this my previous despatches on the subject, and which I know to be also entertained by, I have been informed by Sir Harry Parkes, that the Chinese have all along been playing a waiting game; that their earnest desire is for peace, but that they are making active preparations for the defence of their country, if war should be forced upon them. 3. The final decision between peace and war with France I think will practically be taken at Paris rather than at Peking. I doubt not but that, in every event, your Lordship will cause me to be informed by telegraph of the instructions of Her Majesty's Government as to the conduct to be pursued by the Government of Hongkong. My attitude is, of course, one of complete neutrality. I am informed that, in case of war, many Chinese Merchant Ships may probably take refuge in the Port of Hongkong; while others will probably sail under the British or American Flag. I have the honour to be, May Lord Your Lordship's Most Obedient Humble Servant, 5.M.Bowen 39 1474
Baseline (Original)
4. 23 exchresses in on this my previous despatches anbject, and which i know to be also entertained by, been binstamy Parkes, vig, that the SixStarry Chinese have all along playing as waiting game; that their learning Statesniu desire peace, but that they are making preparations for the defence active of their country, if war should be force 3. upon of War or them. The final decision peace between France and think will practicaly be taken at Paris rather than at Peking. I doubt not but that, in every event, your avery event, of our Lordship Lordship will cause mos to be me informed by telegraph of the instructions of Ster Majesty's Government as to the conduct to be pursued by the Government of Hongking. My attiture is, of course, one of compiste neutrality informes that, in case of war, chineses Merchant Shint many anil may probably take refuge in the Port of Stongkong; while other will probably sail under the British or American Flag. at have the honour to be, I May Loxt Your Lordships Mort Obispint Stumble Servant, 5.M.Bowen 39 1474
2026-05-24 01:20:34 · Baseline
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4.

23

exchresses in

on this

my previous despatches anbject, and which i

know to be also entertained by,

been

binstamy Parkes, vig, that the SixStarry Chinese have all along playing as waiting game; that their learning Statesniu desire peace, but that they are making

preparations for the defence

active

of their country, if war should

be force

3.

upon

of War or

them.

The final decision peace between France and think will practicaly be taken at Paris rather than

at

Peking. I doubt not but

that, in every event,

your

avery event, of our

Lordship

Lordship will cause mos to be

me

informed by telegraph of the instructions of Ster

Majesty's Government as to the conduct

to be pursued by the Government of Hongking. My attiture is, of course, one of compiste neutrality informes that, in case of war,

chineses Merchant Shint

many

anil

may probably take refuge in the Port of Stongkong; while other

will

probably sail under the British or American Flag.

at have the honour to be,

I

May Loxt

Your Lordships Mort Obispint

Stumble Servant,

5.M.Bowen

39 1474

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