CO129-288 - Public Offices & Others - 1898 — Page 146

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We however, view with alarm the possibility,

which is suggested by recent events, that it may be in

contemplation to retain the jurisdiction of the Chinese

Authorities to a certain extent within the newly leased

territory. Any such dual control between the British

and Chinese Authorities would, in our opinion, prove

unworkable, and would indubitably lead, to a considerable

loss of prestige on our part in the eyes of the Chinese

besides causing much friction and trouble.

Delimitation is the prime necessity and could be

accomplished by a Military survey party.

Grave mistakes have been made in the past

involving loss of prestige for example by tacitly

acquiescing in the presence of the Chinese Customs in

the Colony,

and we would earnestly urge that all

possibility of similar weakness in the future be carefully

guarded against.

Every vestige of Chinese rule should be swept

away between 22°40'Non the North and the Gap rock

inclusive on the South, and between the meridans of

113.40E and 114.45E respectively.

In our original suggestion we advocated that

the line to the South should include the Gap Rock and

we beg leave to urgently repeat that recommendation.

The importance of the Gap Rock is two-fold.

1.

It has a lighthouse upon it, the control of

which ought to belong to Great Britain in the

event of war, and,

2.

There is a direct cable from the Gap Rock to

Hong Kong which might prove of considerable

•

service in time of war.

We leave entirely to the discretion of your

Committee the question whether the whole or any portion

of this letter should be published.

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