CO129-290 - Governor Sir Blake - 1899 [1-4] — Page 845

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

From Viceroy T'an

April 17,

1899.

Translation.

Sir,

825

The other day I received your despatch stating that I had misunderstood the statement of His Excellency the Governor of Hong Kong with regard to the Kowloon Customs. To this despatch I replied at once.

At the interview with the Governor on the 2nd April, I informed His Excellency that the Customs could not be removed. When His Excellency was just leaving, I again said that it was not necessary to allude to the question of the Customs. His Excellency also said that he would not again allude to it.

At the time, Mr. Lockhart, the Vice-Consul, and some ten civil and military officials were present, and they all heard what was said.

Now His Excellency suddenly repudiates (the whole conversation) by alleging that I misunderstood him. Thus the words of the Governor cannot be depended upon, and hereafter in the transaction of all business, I shall be altogether unable to feel any confidence.

I must therefore again request you to ask the Governor to take action in accordance with his first statement, so that entire confidence may be maintained and due weight attached to friendly relations. My gratitude and respect will be unbounded.

I have &c.

(Seal of Viceroy).

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From Viceroy T'an April 17, 1899. Translation. Sir, 825 The other day I received your despatch stating that I had misunderstood the statement of His Excellency the Governor of Hong Kong with regard to the Kowloon Customs. To this despatch I replied at once. At the interview with the Governor on the 2nd April, I informed His Excellency that the Customs could not be removed. When His Excellency was just leaving, I again said that it was not necessary to allude to the question of the Customs. His Excellency also said that he would not again allude to it. At the time, Mr. Lockhart, the Vice-Consul, and some ten civil and military officials were present, and they all heard what was said. Now His Excellency suddenly repudiates (the whole conversation) by alleging that I misunderstood him. Thus the words of the Governor cannot be depended upon, and hereafter in the transaction of all business, I shall be altogether unable to feel any confidence. I must therefore again request you to ask the Governor to take action in accordance with his first statement, so that entire confidence may be maintained and due weight attached to friendly relations. My gratitude and respect will be unbounded. I have &c. (Seal of Viceroy).

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COPY. From Viceroy T'an April 17, 1899. Translation. sir, 825 The other day I received your despatch stating that I had misunderstood the statement of His Excellency the Go- vernor of HongKong with regard to the Kowloon Customs. this despatch I replied at once. To At the interview with the Governor on the 2nd. April I informed His Excellency that the Customs could not be remo- ved. When His Excellency was just leaving, I again said that it was not necessary to allude to the question of the Customs. His Excellency also said that he would not again allude to it. At the time, Mr. Lockhart, the Vice-Consul, and some ten civil and military officialswere present, and they all heard what was said. Now His Excellency suddenly repudiates (the whole conversation) by alleging that I misunderstood him. Thus the words of the Governor cannot be depended upon, and hereafter in the transaction of all business, I shall be altogether un- able to feel any confidence. I must therefore again request you to ask the Govern or to take action in accordance with his first statement, so that entire confidence may be maintained and due weight at- tached to friendly relations. My gratitude and respect will be unbounded. I have &c (Seal of Viceroy).

2026-05-30 19:32:42 · Baseline

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COPY.

From Viceroy T'an

April 17,

1899.

Translation.

sir,

825

The other day I received your despatch stating that

I had misunderstood the statement of His Excellency the Go-

vernor of HongKong with regard to the Kowloon Customs.

this despatch I replied at once.

At the interview with the Governor on the 2nd. April

I informed His Excellency that the Customs could not be remo-

ved. When His Excellency was just leaving, I again said that

it was not necessary to allude to the question of the Customs.

His Excellency also said that he would not again allude to it.

At the time, Mr. Lockhart, the Vice-Consul, and some ten civil

and military officialswere present, and they all heard what

was said.

Now His Excellency suddenly repudiates (the whole

conversation) by alleging that I misunderstood him. Thus the

words of the Governor cannot be depended upon, and hereafter

in the transaction of all business, I shall be altogether un-

able to feel any confidence.

I must therefore again request you to ask the Govern

or to take action in accordance with his first statement, so

that entire confidence may be maintained and due weight at-

tached to friendly relations. My gratitude and respect will

be unbounded.

I have &c

(Seal of Viceroy).

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