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undertaken by the two Governments conjointly. This is the meaning of the provision agreed upon by the Yamen, that the waters of Mirs Bay and Deep Bay shall be free to Chinese vessels of war, whether neutral or otherwise."
A copy of the despatch which was addressed to the British Consul on the above subject on the 15th July is inclosed, and I have the honour to request the Yâmen to examine it and come to an agreement with Sir Claude MacDonald, who should be asked to inform the Foreign Office by telegraph of the terms of the arrangement, and to press for the immediate appointment of a delimitation Commissioner.
The Yâmen see no objection to the Viceroy's proposals, and have therefore the honour to communicate them to Sir C. MacDonald that he may act accordingly. The favour of a reply is requested.
SIR,
A copy of the Viceroy's despatch to the Consul is inclosed.
INCLOSURE 2 IN No. 382.
The Viceroy of Canton to Consul Mansfield.
KUANG HSU, 24th year, 5th moon, 27th day (July 15, 1898).
(Translation.j
Some days ago I had the honour to receive your despatch with regard to the Settlement of Hong Kong, in which you asked me to dispatch an officer to discuss matters with you.
I have accordingly, as a first measure, drawn up Regulations, in eleven clauses, on the lines of the despatch received from the Tsung-li Yamen, and I have intrusted the management of this matter to my Foreign Deputy, Wang Ts'un-shan, a Taotai "en disponibilité" for Kuangtung.
I have, therefore, the honour to request you to transmit the Regulations to His Excellency the Governor of Hong Kong.
If, after perusal thereof, he finds he can arrange matters in accordance with these Regulations, I will, at an early date, dispatch an official to Hong Kong to determine the boundaries.
Inclosed is a copy of the Regulations.
I have, &c.,
(Seal of Viceroy).
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INCLOSURE 3 IN No. 382.
REGULATIONS.
(Translation.)
The boundaries, as shown in the map, are upon the authority of the Tsung-li Yamên's original map, and in delimiting the boundaries according to this map, there will be no need for discussion (as to its authority).
2. After the boundaries have been determined, boundary stones shall be erected, the Chinese inscription on which shall read :-
"Boundary of the new Settlement in extension of Hong Kong."
The English inscription shall read :—
"Boundary of the Settlement," and the expression:-
"Boundary of the Colony" must not be used.
3. The officials of the city of Kowloon shall, as heretofore, exercise their several functions within the city, but they must not place any impediments in the way of military works connected with the defences of Hong Kong.
4. Chinese officials and people shall, as usual, make free use of the existing road between Kowloon and the Hsin An distriot without let or hindrance.
5. Chinese vessels of war, merchant ships, passenger-boats, and other craft of all kinds shall have free access to, and liberty to, anchor at the landing-stages at Kowloon city, and the officials and people of the city shall make free use of the said landing-stages.
6. Hereafter, when any railway line, constructed by China, approaches the boundary of the territory newly leased to England, each country shall depute officials to deliberate as to what action shall be taken.
7. The population resident in the new Settlement shall all continue in the undisturbed pursuit of their former occupations, and no pressure shall be brought to bear on them to make them remove. Their landed property shall not be confiscated to Government use, and if it is desired (to obtain land for the) erection of public buildings and suchlike uses, a fair price shall be paid, and no undue pressure shall be brought to bear.
8. The extradition of criminals from both countries shall be managed as heretofore in accordance with the original Agreement and the Ordinances recently drawn up by the Hong Kong (Government).
9. Chinese vessels of war, whether (China be) belligerent or neutral, shall be at liberty to anchor in and have access to the waters of such places as Ta Peng Bay and Shen Chou Bay, which are within the boundaries of the new Settlement. Piracy being extremely prevalent in Kuangtung Province, the war vessels of both countries may co-operate in pursuing and catching pirates whenever necessity arises for such action, with a view to insuring the peace of the locality.
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