CO129-291 - Governor Sir Blake - 1899 [5-6] — Page 372

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Talpo,

6th. May 1899.

366

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Your Excellency.

With reference to my minute of the 4th. inst.

reporting a rumoured attack from Tung Kun and other

places within Chinese territory on the British and

natives of the Pat Heung District;. I wrote to the San

On Magistrate in accordance with your instructions, in-

forming him of the rumours and telling him that he would held responsible if any trouble arose. I have just XXXKi received his reply of which I enclose a precis.

From the enquiries I have instructed I do not think the rumour is true, but there can be no doubt that it was believed by many of the people in the Pat Heung and

I Lam Tsun District, some of whom had removed before had time to communicate with the elders.

I understand that my letters to the Pat Heung and Kam Tin elders have had a good effect in allaying fear and establishing confidence.

I have again recommended in my minute of yesterdays date that a force should be stationed at the frontier and

should number at least 100 men.

(Signed) J.H.Stewart Lockhart,

Colonial Secretary.