CO129-322 - Acting Governor May - 1904 [1-5] — Page 187

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

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186

seizure of telegraph lines.

laying out of barbed wire.

obstructing roads et hoc genus omne.

A house divided against itself cannot stand

and while arguments are going on as to what is to be

done, and perhaps authority from home sought, a

dangerous crisis occurs, and one which might have

been averted by a rapid decision of one responsible

authority.

It must be remembered too that though the

Governor is Commander-in-Chief and Vice Admiral he

cannot move any Imperial Troops without the orders of

the General Officer Commanding-(Order in Council dated

the 26th October 1896)-and his duties as Vice Admiral

are confined to the law courts.

In this divided authority I see a great

danger and though I think it far better that the

General Officer Commanding should stand outside the

Local Government in time of peace, yet on the outbreak

of hostilities he should be made supreme on land.

It is in no way sought to interfere with

the trade, but simply to give the Military Authorities

power to carry out proper means in time of war, and

to ensure prompt action.

I have the honour to be,

Your obedient servant,

Major-General,

Commanding in South China.

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186 seizure of telegraph lines. laying out of barbed wire. obstructing roads et hoc genus omne. A house divided against itself cannot stand and while arguments are going on as to what is to be done, and perhaps authority from home sought, a dangerous crisis occurs, and one which might have been averted by a rapid decision of one responsible authority. It must be remembered too that though the Governor is Commander-in-Chief and Vice Admiral he cannot move any Imperial Troops without the orders of the General Officer Commanding-(Order in Council dated the 26th October 1896)-and his duties as Vice Admiral are confined to the law courts. In this divided authority I see a great danger and though I think it far better that the General Officer Commanding should stand outside the Local Government in time of peace, yet on the outbreak of hostilities he should be made supreme on land. It is in no way sought to interfere with the trade, but simply to give the Military Authorities power to carry out proper means in time of war, and to ensure prompt action. I have the honour to be, Your obedient servant, Major-General, Commanding in South China.

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00 186 seizure of telegraph lines. laying out of barbed wire. obstructing roads et hoc genus omne. A house divided against itself cannot stand and while arguments are going on as to what is to be done, and perhaps authority from home sought, a dangerous crisis occurs, and one which might have been averted by a rapid decision of one responsible authority. It must be remembered too that though the Governor is Commander-in-Chief and Vice Admiral he cannot move any Imperial Troops without the orders of the General Officer Commanding-(Order in Council dated the 26th October 1896)-and his duties as Vice Admiral are confined to the law courts. In this divided authority I see a great danger and though I think it far hetter that the General Officer Commanding should stand outside the Local Government in time of peace, yet on the outbreak of hostilities he should be made supreme on land. It is in no way sought to interfere with the trade, but simply to give the Military Authorities power to carry out proper means in time of war, and to ensure prompt action. I have the hernur to be, Your obedient sev +2+44 Vajor.^eneral. Commanding in South China. /2.

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