CO129-324 - Governor Nathan - 1904 [10-12] — Page 117

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C C F Y.

Sir,

Enclosure 2.

39376 116

Colonial Secretary's Office,

hongkong. 14th. February, 1904.

With reference to your letter of the Sth.

instant enclosing a transiation of a note received from the

Director-General of Telegraphs regarding the removal of the Sham Shui Fo blockhouse, I am directed to request you to be so good as

to inform his Excellency that this Government cannot consent to

allow the blockhouse, poles and telegraph lines therein mentioned

to remain where they are at present unless they are taken over

by the Eastern Extension Telegraph Company. The circumstances of

the New Territory are not analogous to those of European conces-

sions in the Treaty Forts of China, inasmuch as for the period of

the 99 years lease the New Territory is in every respect Eritish

Territory and wholly subject to British Administration. This

Goverment must therefore insist upon the Chinese Authorities

taking the necessary action without further delay.

I have etc.,

(Sd.) A. M. Thonson,

Colonial Secretary.

Britannic Majesty's Consul-General,

Shanghai.