CO129-294 - Governor Sir Blake - 1899 [10-12] — Page 551

Sir

Enclosure I

26

Government House.

15/5/99.

548

Jenas Joroin

I have received a letter from H. M.'s Govt directing me to occupy Kowloon City & Shamchun effecting the object if possible by an overwhelming display of force & avoiding bloodshed. But Shamchun is not to be occupied unless you are satisfied that you are in a position to hold it for the present with the force already at your disposal.

In one of two telegrams, to both of which allusion is made in the telegram conveying the above instructions, I had suggested that if we went beyond the river we should occupy the Shamchun valley to the hills, adding that if the valley is to be held you would require another regiment.

In the next I advocated confining our occupation to Shamchun & stated after conversation with you that you were prepared to hold that position with your present garrison.

The expression "for the present" in my instructions presents to my mind an element of uncertainty as to the wishes of H. M.'s Govt. & I have telegraphed for further instructions as to whether it is desired that we shall take the valley to the hills.

I have the honour to request that you will make arrangements to carry out the operation as agreed between us, of sending 100 men to occupy Kowloon & 2000 men to take Shamchun. I shall be glad to know from you whether in the event of H. M.'s Govt directing that Shamchun valley to the hills be occupied, you are prepared to hold it for the present with the force already at your disposal.

I have &c

(381) (sgd) A. Blake,