[ { "id": 217900, "series_id": 27, "series_slug": "histsyn-co129-engine", "series_title": "CO129 Colonial Office Hong Kong Records 理藩院香港檔案", "series_use_hku_proxy": false, "document_key": "CO129-004 - Public Offices & Admiralty - 1843", "page_number": 181, "title": "CO129-004 - Public Offices & Admiralty - 1843", "content_text": "Cou \n\n25.770.15 \n\nI have noted in the \n\nmargin one or live tofices which came to me important. \n\nwas chant Lene to dan \n\nby to day's Tract white, \n\nthe hope that a Desfalch sught be formed \n\nLand Saiting absence, in imposible \n\n/2 \n\n1403 Umma Pomphony \n\nTreasury Chambers \n\nJ \n\n19 December 1843. \n\nRECEIVED \n\nDEC.). 1845 \n\nandul by the \n\nLouls Commissionves of Nor Mejesti Treasury to transmit to You, for \n\nthe infrincction of Lord Licentey, Lantry. the enclosed. Copy of a Report from \n\nthe Commissioners of Customs, the 13th peclents, relative to c \n\natoll \n\nmissing Case of Chinese Books supposed to hewe bun landed at Plymouth from the Enclymion, with reference to your \n\nUllino \n\nyour Letter of the 22? \n\nafron \n\nthe \n\nsubject. \n\nnere Laboure \n\nto the \n\nAnsied 30 \n\nJeun \n\nLaschenley \n\nyour obulent Percent. Cuch \n\nZ", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-004 - Public Offices & Admiralty - 1843.txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 237214, "series_id": 27, "series_slug": "histsyn-co129-engine", "series_title": "CO129 Colonial Office Hong Kong Records 理藩院香港檔案", "series_use_hku_proxy": false, "document_key": "CO129-052 - Sir Bowring - 1855 [9-12]", "page_number": 336, "title": "CO129-052 - Sir Bowring - 1855 [9-12]", "content_text": "332\n\nExtract from a letter published in the \"China Mail\" of the 17th May 1864.\n\nA certain number of disasters are expected to recur every year, at least 12, but in these waters the number might be greatly reduced by the erection of a Light House on the Pratas Shoal, more properly speaking, on the island within the Pratas Atoll. The general impression is, that the creation of light-houses appertains to the department of government, and in this present day H.M.'s Ships towing keen Sufferers also, it has probably been concluded that sooner or later the Home Government would take the matter in hand, and for this reason no stir has been made amongst the public.\n\nHow ... having been ...\n\nH.M.'s ...", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-052 - Sir Bowring - 1855 [9-12].txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 240872, "series_id": 27, "series_slug": "histsyn-co129-engine", "series_title": "CO129 Colonial Office Hong Kong Records 理藩院香港檔案", "series_use_hku_proxy": false, "document_key": "CO129-061 - Public Offices - 1856", "page_number": 315, "title": "CO129-061 - Public Offices - 1856", "content_text": "DIC \n\nA 10 09 \n\nSUPPLEMENT TO THE OVERLAND FRIEND OF CHINA, MAY, 1856.\n\nTHE BOWRING PRAYA, On the 5th altiso n Onvernment notification ap peared arong our advertisements, to the effect that the Bowring Prayn Commission would sit daily with open doors. No counter noties uppeased by which we were to learn when the labours of that Cntamission ended; and when some three weeks afterwards one Marine Let haider who hurd ben absent from the Colony over the whole time made enquiry of one of the Commissioners regarding the sittings, he was then told the Commission was at an end and that the report was in progress for early rendering A Supplemental scale of yesterday gives to the world the result of the Commission's labears; and appears that a Schedule was at sached to the Coutaission containing the following\n\nfive grescens\n\n1. Wther the Gaverement of this Tsland ought or eight set to actase the emire son traction of the saul Fraga, or of say and what part threat?\n\nIL. After what rate or rates ought the preson; hokters of Mine Lot to be admittal to the possession slower.mtion at the grean lying between their aur Boulades and the Praya, where the Fanstruction shall have been undertaken by the Government?\n\n. In the event of of the holders of Marine Lote heng wiling, and others of them being siding, to wader. take the chastraction at their van orm, ought or waght Fote Govermest to undertake the conception of one of the san! raya as able to the front of the lots of the bywing headers, and to allow the willing filers to under- sake of novel wil their peepozion of the work in respect of their own lots?\n\nIV. Ongla or ought not the Burian Strand portion of tho sait aya tu be coingraced lagerber with the catres portions thereof, or which i\n\nV. What provision stylt su hade for the shipping and lolis of goste, and the parking and disembarking of pengers at ul uleog the saki Prapa when escapicted?\n\nTo the first of these questions, the Commission repbei-stɔvement ought to undertake the work, and in an ather way could it be accom plished.\n\nTo the second-that the rate on and reclaimed should be lifteen shillings per 100 square feet-ur very nearly two peace per boot, being about three hal pence por foot more than the peel of Marine Tot lands at last year's salos.-\n\nLease wall wakich Lenscholilors generally are desirous of heilding-with a roadway along the vad wall, to he kept cred by chains of rus to public thoroughitre, and panel only on cases of public marguney--would not such a construction as tuis Le ali that is requisite for the public weal?\n\nQuestion 2Would it not be better to leave the Police control of this roadway and wath to the Lease holders themselves!\n\nQuestion --Would it not be fair to charge Louseholders first class intand Let upseter te for the and redeemed-in addition to the rental at which they are at present assisted?\n\nQuestion 1-Whald i ust be advisable to com route the rent, either ever the whole jot, run the part redeemed ouiy, for a fixed suto down?\n\nwas naturally ta be anticipated upon the question as to the conditions of tencre of landle reclaimed or to her fir the sea. In one raspect nuly they appeared to is unrella, igrating too fast antal proer the Crown alune basi tite to all such bende, bether arely reclaimed ar ve\n\net,, ., &c.\n\nI can only of course spenk na w gronad already reclaimed, but on that point f deny that I either now igre, er did so in toy evidence to the Com- mission, the fact that at present the Crown lone Ares site to all such hurts.\" \n\nMy esidence will be found to state, that I cou- sidered Coverament not eath led to ady rest upon grounds how reclaimed, but that if any rate was to be fired, it should be such as ao sioun to a mere nominal real.\n\nSurely this admits most faily the Creven's de le the land, for except the Crowa hels the title, how etix any rate of Rent and surely the fact should be patent to the nest ordinary understand-\n\nAn Qurtina 6-Wand it not exhibit better sense is Excellency the Governor, and less\n\nunity, if he refrained from boring those w interests as is paid to protect, and whose confeting, that such evidence is based on the consider1-\n\nhe is supposed to have at heart, with what the? so wat went 2-Bowa PRAYA. F of C. April 3.\n\nTo the Editor of the Friend of China,\n\n\"HONGKONG, -- April, 1856. DER $1-- would suggest to the Bowring Penya Commission un aditional question to le raggested by yun-wis, \"Would not the expert cace of the Greek Luna dubbings be xafficleur to warrant a speculation for doing a fand to be deno minated the Bowing Praga Consels ?\"--it would pay well.--Sophistically thine,\n\nA DREAMER IN SHADOW LAND, of C. Apral 96,\n\ntion of what ander the circumstances in which the land was reclaimed, equitably due to Govern meat upon it.\n\nAnd now, Sir, as it is not my chieet to review: the Report, either as to its gemein matter, of the spirit which perrades it, but only to point out and Tefate those parts wherein it ia wafair and incorrect in relation to my own evidence, I will conclude with a gentle admonition to the President of the Bearing Prays Commission, that before grap pling\" in future, he wish do well to look to the metal of his grappling irous, for anless tant metal ba found true and withou: ww, the gripe which it is fempted to is, will never prove bei delusive and unavailing-ara, Sir, your shelient servaus,\n\nFfC. April 25. R. C. ANTRORUS.\n\nthe Edit of the \" Fyfend of China,\"\n\nFoxoxoso 28th April, 1856.\n\nTo the Editor of the \"Friend of thing” ** Hosunun 23rd April, 1856.\n\nSHowever unwilling I am to do so, I re- grot to say, that one portion of the Pawing Praya-The Fe rels Proverb Qui s'excuse a'a. Commission, as laid before the public in the Government Gazette, forces ne as to make use of some public channel of connoication, that\n\nTo the third- they thonght Government vaierepresentation may not be allowed an unob structed coarse, and that perversion of the spirit of had better undertake the whole work-\n\nTo the fourth-That the Benham Strand por evidence gives may not remain unchallenged.\n\nThe Commissioner \"close their caquiry in al tion of the Praya should be commenced at once.\n\nAnd the fifth-the Commission gave at indo ceritade of being free from the reproach of par- aste answer. The wharfage it could not be deniality and injustice, na they are inquestionably ed was vested in the Leaseholders. The Commis- free from the kindred one of concealment \"\n\nFrom their correctness, which must be placed sion would take away dru privilegs if they could but as the law was against them, they would rather under the former category, as recording is the Re- For the substance of certain evidence. I must diz- Sublim zao. You will fad in the second and third The evidence of the six valutary deponents be fore the Commission, ces Messis Ambus, Duddell, paragraphs of page 4 of the Report, a reference ta Edger, Marrow, Postau and Sherede, apres to ceratin evidence which 1 gave before the Commis- have been supplied to the Governor in an Apion. The report hore states,\n\nhe report but these depositions, per lis described as the testimony of intelligent witnes Bes-of respectable witnesses-of highly respectable witnesses-and of witnesses deserving of all attention\n\nhave cot bear furnished to the public.\n\nad recommend !\n\nIt is only with specific instances like thesĘ \" (viz: two which they are pleased to call dubians cases that it is possible to grapple,\" &c, Ázu,\n\nby\n\nA gentleman who has confesund & purpresture committed selfin 18ht, and who had mafn thien oson percent,\n\n•with stoe Burhasis, the con of a general understand. Ting, that is wlained would to be interfered with by vorment, not the parties' right of access to the ses prs- juiced by the set,' was at length and to state the circu s which had prodowy that impression, so far as he an his fler ware ennesined a cover is curious ilustration of the proneness of these gentlemen is dorciva there It appears that the present Serveyor Chemeral, Dr Cheverly, and the late overner Sir George Bonn, gave him, in 1654, a verbal curarance, tad ten would not he prosecuted, ot called count for his encroachment. They gave me, he do father asses. This come in femity against pakich nant-fil be even thathe at unde interpreted into a renunciation or sesiver of a crown gh\n\nYou will observe, Siz, the Haport does not pre- suma to place as a quotation the words \"a verbal assurance that he would not be prosecuted or cal led to account for his encroachment,\" but it does\n\nThe reply to question the second is an elabor are disquisition-remarkabte, principally, far two things--ne its extreine one sidedness, another its taunciates of the most radical praciples. The object of the Comunission was to show that, At no time, from the days of Elias downwards, was official sanction ever given to the redemption In showing this,and it of fund from the sea. is shown as clavery as could possibly be expected from writers determined to tow only what would suit their purpos- the pressing requests by Filic? to the Merchants to come here and settle-to do as they pleased only to build godowns to store the tou for which he would get a remission of a penny upon duty-the proprsed allotment of the ground bought by them, royalties and all, in fte Emple-the premise that ju rehasers of Main so insert the next sentence, viz; they gave me,\" 1 should have the perption even of lots on the in- he adds, au further assurances. I call on the land side of the mad-all this was stadiously over. Commissiours to prodace, if they can, from my 3. Co., Laues Fletcher & Co., Mac Vient Bura & fact of prosecution with reference to the point tooked Theletters written by the frus of Cermell evidence, any use of the word, or allusion to the Co.,Tamer Co., Fox Rawson & Co. and Capt. barkins, protesting most strongly agmine: the ferece can with reason or fairness he no constru od as to justify them in thas expressing for me the mation of a Psya, as first propceed in the lane of\n\nassurances given to me. ur first Govainor, have all disappeared Bom\n\n\"cun say drielly, ther my firm aku myself chord 50 the records of Government; the very suggestion\n\nSu gesend anderstanding; and that no fut an they wad\n\ncad by converadio with Sit were condemnail, is over yout\n\nBasta and Me Cheverly, de Sarveyer Genezai,\n\nof irving chains across the road way mea\n\nca\" may be forcibly applied to the concluding Pangraph oftheRepoil of the Bowring Bags Cemission,\" whichhambly cerudies\" His Ex cellenes, that they are free from tee reproach of The necessity for partiality\" and injustice 1\"\n\noch o declaration had scarcely suggested bed to the minds of the Comunissioners but for some mois. givings of conscience, which are not in be wooder edat, for while we will not suppose that any me o- her of the Commission would wittingly set his name to a document containing that which he be levet to be it direct oppositinu to fact, we an heeitaringly assert, that the Report itself is a per- version of means towards a given end.\n\nThis may appse a harsh and unpleasant asser- tion, but (s a writer in the N. D. Herald apily quoted some short time sinca)\n\n†\n\nSurly, Mritor, all this borbast might ad- Fantageously have been omittel. It is well lowo, both to Sir John Burring, rad Me Chisholm An- tey. that if each cinetrine was once brought to bent justly, it would be resisted by all proper means: and the the resuks would be neb, as neither of them would wish to face. The delusion\" which one witness\" labored under this hend, in con- sequence of a conversation with the late Acting Attorney General,\" maxy, if tried, prove a enggerer to the full blowo cigary.\n\nWith regard to the Records of the Last Office in the early days of the Colony, on which so such weight place, it may soned somewhat strange that Mr Julius C. Power on one occasion, whico be contrived to speak unchecked for a few capravitis) stated, that these records were very imperfect, and Thai co doubt could be entertained that sang tings were not entered therein which ougla to have been\n\nEV.\n\nIt is somewhat curious also to notice in the wording of the report the animus which prevails anungst there impartial men. Where the evidence given is very favorable to the Government project, the givor is an inteliigent witness!\" i moderniely propitious his opinione deserve attention! If slightly apposed to the intusure, he izbora under a do lusio!\" denidedly adreree, he is purile!! hut whers the evidence rans really counter to their cause, it is a tee signslised as a man of in comertul asscueration and unsupported pretentim ! ! Unfortunately, however, for the campilers of the report, ugly nanies will not pass cures for argu- nents, and invectiva ia un proef. Already, one of the Gentiero examined has protested against the miscbracı actions to which he tina beer subjected,\n\nothers are prepared to do is some.\n\nWhy is not the appendix published? Do the Govern Tent really suppose, that those interested will quietly permit such a decent as the repart la go forth w the world, at a correct statement, made as unprejudiced men. who by their refer there to at appendiz, shakenge contradiction of log on which their assertions are based? No Sr. 1 como tarness that appende must ac ronde se public as the report itself, and then tha public will have an opportunity of adging how far the two agree together, They will fad, as wa have before eated, that the evidence is passed over when adverse, and brought prominently forward when favorable to the cause which has been re- rievably damaged by such a contre; and not only this, but mayhap uthers of real impurtance and deixal benefit, for we assurt on the very best grounds, that many of this community would now declin to appear before any future commission, compused of s or any of the members of the one lately cle solved, or to ca-opera-e with those who have for. fered that confidence which nu intial treatme of the subject committed to them would have coal- manded. This is not vegue assertion, as the fuma will show.\n\nThere is nother paint, which are we close, 13 may be well to notios, viz, the sigma that Marine La Bolders have been in the habit of Squeezing\" The Chinese by exacting atoll through\" for landing at their Private Wherves. This, however, we nurst adini fonded on the evidence of bet ope Holder of a Marine Lot, and peramps he way be the maly one who is aware of such exactions! Of this he must be the best judge, but that each pre- Lices have been in vague, or can turn any sigu ment in favor of a Prayn, scheenly needs refutation. Had Government baik proper wharves at the pains where such mecrable excresences as \"1\"\n\n\"Facta are things that winna ding\" \n\nand duorna be disputed.\" Let us glance pt sous of the leading points of the Repor, found. § no 65 vepablished \"Appendix ! Having considered the nailers referred to them, the Commissioners agree that the fire questions connined in the Schedule, have subraced every substantial matter of enquiry,\" and that the Witnesses called in end examined also pertain \"od that opinion,\" as there is little to he and in their evidence, which does not range iseli under some of those hau's of enqairy! No truly m it would have required no emilac, and much determisation, to obtain a Lending on any point which was adverse to the ubject of the Commission, (ie, lo support at a bazards the views of Sir John Bowring) Fer no seoner did evidence divergodere Whar\" were to be found, there never would 10 dangerous grond, then it was strangled by the have been any necessity for asking, or reagiving favore from Marine Lo: Holders. There is ample acrvous fins of the President, who doubling it\n\nspace now. and more than ample space to form relevancy, forthwith ignored its existence.\n\nPublic Warves, for double the wants of the Com- munity, who have not sex frontages. What are their quirements? Much fuse is made by the China Mail and others about the inconvenience to the public dwelling to the south of the Queen's Road! Le any one who knows the place run bis eye along the list of residente, and their occupations, and then see how my to the south of the queen's Read, w up the fill, que largo Wharing sc. connection. What the China Mail require '$ What goods dil fe latte wa inconvenience was an su'jected to ? None! And some reply will serve for nike tenths of those who habit the Iniant Lots do the lil; and such aust ever to the case, for Coolle hire alone would very soon absorb any benefit scecking from reduced rentals on In. land Lots were they used us storage ground,\n\nMoreover, when thune to be examined were first informed that any evidence they might give was whody uecuanected with the question of whe thers Praya ought or ought not to be made, end would not be considered as involving any opinion\n\nin question; and I deny that any portion of my ion that head, it is scarcely to be expected that\n\nsure intended to meet, not only an obiections of Gure we that was choar in jecam lava, there was no\n\nthose days, but the main objection of Leaseholders of the proscut, is carefly passed ever, when there is ocasion quote from the report prepared by Me Surveyor General Gordon.\n\nAnd as Non-genservative principles-70,000 Atates now in this Colony-65,000 of whan, at least, baking to the great anwashed\" with no more interest in it thau is requisite to gel meal of the frem day to day-this swarm of vagabonds, we are sold, ure entitled to an absolute equality of rights and duties in other word thay have as much right to perigrinate in front of our private dwelinge on the sou frunt as we bare, who pay four times more luar rent than the as14- ers of inland lots for the privilege of enjoying a brenzes andistrrbed, and for ather advantages 8 We havo you in juanne holding must give.\n\none power, and we will do as we please with you is the one all pervading spirit of the re part before as.\n\nBe it subat assertion and por formance are riva distinct things; and however ah stinate Sir John Bowring, he is not oranipotent- and this perhaps he will bad when-in the House Commons if needs be-the question is brought be\n\nore the horse Government by the constituents of those interested-Concitaents, Sir John Bowring and Mr Chisivalm Anstey must know, possessing as much power as any single section of the rope- sentatives of Great Britain.\n\nThe five questions in the Schedule, the Commis- sioners tell us in the report, embrace every thing With all due deference to their superior wisdom we will now suggest to them them five other ques¦ tinns and though they may doubt it, they may rest assured that on the antisfactory solution of there questions the matter has yet to depend.----\n\nQuestion 1-Would not a sea wall, to be called appropriately \"THE ALBERT WALL\"the supporting battress of ta Queen's Rond, w be boil along the sna front of all the lots already granted on Crown\n\nMy the terms of the Most Land Sale in 1844, merc istinctly rest to have sea, aot to fredage--the depth from these to the way wohl wary agosling to a torqueat letter Front Captain in solids at all, la kotiated moly the ncessities of die serafiants\n\nejection to an duing so, at that no difficulty or inconve nichou was likely to rise in us leam baring done it. They gave me the sarther as conges\n\nThe latter short stulence. I gave most willingly as an answer to a remark from the Frezident af Commission, that as both the gentamen alluded to were now absuut from the Colony, if they made no further assurances, perhaps I would not object to Sidy 841\n\nleave it then to the public to decide,-looking at my evidence abore quoted, and remerabering the\n\nThe views of liora interested in that part of the ques. tinn ahould meat with a patient heating, withough missioners are not failed to “specify in their appropriate places, all such coasters Rese incidentally under ones, in the course of the enquiry\" altas they fid not necesary arse \"out of either of the Five Points\" in plain English wherever the evidence favora che av ernmeal scheme, it is brought prominently far ward, and where it is adverse it to kept carefully behind the stenes, us its appropriate place! With all respect for those Getlenies who gave evidence before the Prays Commission, we connel admit, or consider them as the exponents of greetal opinion. The in question is not hus-bot che ther the Prays should be munt; and had Sir John Bowring desired to nike on impartial enquiry into the opinions of thres interested, he would have found himselt willingly, and openly rael with candid views, But not so in the present instance; for how could Goverment suppose dias these whinisepproved of the formation of a Preya, would one larward to how-how it should be constructed!! Yet, in the face of this beardity, the Comadesionere\" merely \"Indemolly against punishment are strong add, that the general unwillingness of the Marine worls, bat carry little weight in the present \"La Holders\" afford any evidenon in Bustra Any one of louger residence lure than in of their asaeried claims to equitable consi the President of the Commission, to whom chiefyderation ought of self to deprive the claimants I attribute time drawing up of the Report and theofull expecbition (bat their supposed claims will\n\nruceive any consideration at all!!! disagrocable necessay entailed on nf now pob-\n\nassertion I am said to have raure than ones made with some emphesis\" which induced the questions to which my evidence forms the reply, whether the Report as written is not a distortion of the sub cance of toy remarks, and rather the expression of interested advocates than of impartial Coremis signers?\n\nstances.\n\nlely addressing you, woll knows that the infliction\n\nShade of Nicholas A Right Royal Proclama\n\nof punishment for reclaiming tand, or fat antion is from those who hold that the Crown is crouchiment that word be preferiet, was never\n\nThat at once interpreted the assurances of Sir G, Benham and Mr Cleverly into a renuncia. tion or waiver of a Crown righ,\" is not the case, and is not the plain meaning of my evilence, but an arbitrary inference on the part of the Commis sioners, as unjustifiable by them, as the interpin. tacou attributed to me would have been absurd on ny part.\n\nbut the Trustoo for the Publie and quite su\n\nfor a moment contempland by Government; while ficient, we admit, to extinguisa in the el san- onthe aber hand, direct indemnity against guine Marine Lat order, any expectation of panist ment\" was never requested by the person equitable consideration, were sheir hopes founded on the tender sarees of the Praya Commission, intending to reclai\n\nBut they are not nervous men, these Marine Lot holders; the fine See air which they have so long enjoyed gabruksted, haz brace) then up, and even now, with the above awel denunciation sounding in their ears, they have not abandored oil hopes of justice at the hands of their Public Trustee \"! No, not even in the matter of compensation for being tarnell out of House and Home, will they for one tout acknowledge than it sexts with the Surveyor General alone to decide the question,\" altho' the locum inaeus asserts that it is 8o, and our entry!) Judge bas niready delivered his Ferdien!\n\nTo one point more in the Report I must alude, abric at variance with facts and my evidence At the deading of the reply to the second question of the Sebetale, it will be found stated,-\n\n\"Sotan difference of sows mongst the Marine Lenders\n\nNo Sir! The object in view in the project of a Praya is quite evident cnaugh, and there is no use trying hike an Ostrich to hide its head when tho whole body is exposed to view. It was proposed long since by Sir Henry Poninger before the Co. Leny was fairig seed, und before Lot Holders had bean induced to expend vast as in completion of their netangements, and the construction of their premises, It died a natural death from want of Funds, and so remained in pure until fortuiten cirentistances placed in the power of the present Goverans the menus resuscituring the plon ar\n\nThis we firmly believe was calling it his con! done without weighing or considering the cane- quences, the interests of those concerned. There was Bonham Strand\" and theis must be a Bowring Praya, Opposition arose, and fat moment there was taking between public Instico and private vanity. The latter prevailed. and evne hrward stroyed as the former \"ol in sheep's clothing\". But the argument is felt to he bullow and the position untenable. An intrench. ment toust be formed to retire to when attacked. Parliamentary recollection furnishes on idea! Commission,-a Commission of course) but form. ed only of these known adherents who can be well depended on. No difference of opinion or shade of opposition must exist amongst it's Merbere, and then the Public cu sutely be admitted to hear their doom 1 The Men are found, and the Com- mission formed, and the Political Sogers have cooked a dish of such piquancy, tant even those was furnished the materials cansel recognise their awn ingrediena.\n\nA\n\nWe crave pardon for prolixity, but we eat draw Alution to the fact, that of the six gentlemen ex amined, there was only one who being present at the November Malings in acquiesced in the resolutions then passed by an overwhelming\n\n311", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-061 - Public Offices - 1856.txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 241666, "series_id": 27, "series_slug": "histsyn-co129-engine", "series_title": "CO129 Colonial Office Hong Kong Records 理藩院香港檔案", "series_use_hku_proxy": false, "document_key": "CO129-063 - Sir Bowring - 1857 [4-7]", "page_number": 92, "title": "CO129-063 - Sir Bowring - 1857 [4-7]", "content_text": "196...\n\n89\n\nDate\n\nyed Da Fatch\n\nDesp.\n\n1856\n\nThe\n\nSubject of Despatch. Mil.\n\n(9s (Continued) additional. Regiment.\n\n198/81\n\nbe sent\n\nout from home, - or one ordered from India\n\nBy The Lient. Governor.\n\n21th november Reporting compliance given to the Admiral's requisition to have 100 men of the 5 Regiment\n\nthe\n\nto Canton for the protection\n\nsent up\n\nof that Foreign Factories.\n\nReporting measures adopted\n\n196.932.\n\nfor the suppression of certain\n\nseditions demonstrations in\n\nthe City on the morning of\n\nthe 21th Instant\n\nBy The Governor.\n\n197 24\n\nIn continuation\n\n\"\n\nof\n\nColonel\n\nhis\n\nBaine's despatch W. 196, and\n\nDespatch, Lated Canton\n\nNo\n\nthe 2tter Instant, WP, 194,\n\nconcerning the emente in the Colony, and the state of affairs\n\nat Canton\n\n198 9th December Reporting its baldwell's\n\n199\n\n200\n\nre-adruission into the Colonial Service\n\nao a\n\nReporting appointment of Stent. Colonel Dunlop Provisional Member of the\n\nExecutive Council.\n\nacknowledging despatch 22.112. of 26 September, relative to the\n\nSaluting Battery\n\nand\n\ncorrespondence thereon with\n\nMilitary authorities.\n\nDate of\n\nDesp. Gespatch Subject of Despatch\n\n1856\n\n201 18 December Reporting embarkation\n\n202\n\n203\n\n2\n\n204\n\n2\n\nhow\n\nwone\n\n1)\n\n205\n\n206\n\n204 11th\n\n208\n\n209\n\nthe\n\n210 127\n\n1.\n\nMilitary Convicts to in Despatch M. 165 October last.\n\nInel\n\nof the\n\nreferred\n\nof\n\n15th\n\nmore\n\nReporting Mr. Hillier's death, to unve\n\nForwarding Report of\n\nthe\n\nPolice Commission, with remarks\n\nRespecting\n\nmuneration of\n\ncertain despatches from the Colonial office\n\nReporting death of beptam Howpper, R.C., Acting Surveyor\n\nVesteral\n\nReporting appointment\n\nMr. I. L. Wather\n\nз acting.\n\nSurveyor General\n\nRegarding\n\nMr Mercer's intended\n\ndeparture for England in February next\n\nin\n\nReporting cause of delay the preparation of the Colonial Estimates for 1859.\n\nRegarding expenditure on the proposed Willah in the \"Wongneichung Valley..\n\nIn continuation of despatch Nr. 197, submitting additional correspondence with the Public Committee\n\n2\n\nATOML\n\nevota\n\ntimu\n\nnow", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-063 - Sir Bowring - 1857 [4-7].txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 409440, "series_id": 27, "series_slug": "histsyn-co129-engine", "series_title": "CO129 Colonial Office Hong Kong Records 理藩院香港檔案", "series_use_hku_proxy": false, "document_key": "CO129-340 - Governor Nathan Acting Governor May - 1907 [4-6]", "page_number": 506, "title": "CO129-340 - Governor Nathan Acting Governor May - 1907 [4-6]", "content_text": "002\n\nE\n\nnl duo bel180 gular ..039 1.090 .2iidegimui,Jakuoteivrag\n\nJurgima sizarira od dixo\" vxibeeoonq axoted BIOË. goo....\n\nni sejaiztaqet Ile to walbrei ett yntvlovat embesorg a\n\nerit snel to rejsery # xet boodfmrodrigisa ni xo yaolo) and\n\nenso erit ad van 38\n\nJeomis need aai soitta ritvoä et moiðæryine ¤Ã\n\nIT MIJ eaofw eaeair azeridroll of bonituco vietaiqmoJ\n\nJeed arið at vilautan at Ji sub silat won midsizdəqəT\n\nLaulatto złent of roua wwwdes of yonegå allt to atzeratni\n\nGeotzoria arid vd,cadynawibiɔ 10 0ote:),goldofiaries to ntxoq\n\n„ATLOI JO91lb Jaom Dus\n\nKO evad I ‚exotererit „volv ql abne esert MJIT\n\n101 Jindva od wonori erit,asxki! to redmaño end to lead\n\nLelongƐ a*yon91190xd 2011 Jærið moldsoligęs us nol Tebianoo\n\nDIOGULSTF Sft of pool atoll de betreni ad eruðut at vær esa9012\n\nenivad ratis nefar? of eyayov biawduo red no doltamus ni\n\nred of nuoiverq «tnesssq da sa „ão bastari - ,dxok aee7\n\nMOOL MHOL de gailiso zed unidadtassson ard3\n\n•\n\nitxol ynirc O\n\n.90144\n\n*ld at xolidsinyol visva dæit boodaxebar ni er\n\n0ɔruskilbræo gid to axoljosa reddo yd bexlupex bria Jos39%\n\n78 bus dtkw boligmoo ylub zeed evat Ilada noitesup at\n\nait jerit edsoltifies a folðaytmri Lalinesao aid abxaYOI\n\n210. de bebubong ad Lik# dao* edt at duo belTIso neer ast\n\n0190 yen I .am Laotba, beitilsup a yd of bataatós groži\n\n-21” zodysID a riðir beqqtups ni droqazaif faas jali noitu\n\n.auƒszeqq qnidostai\n\n-ITICTAD 919/119034a ynow #1ol. erit of bisyen MJIT\n\n-ilerno) aniqgidë fastore) groz gaoil a'id Isbau betræt, otso\n\n1013 bandera ‚01 sausi0 ‚8 JIE 98.07.0981 to soumibro batab\n\n“jorit davis now grillum gttivoliot eit tarit bietersbru T‚êl\n\nTUC to 219gsrum, erfd to sno,rałaquelin of alla? „duak\n\nskal smoll fauerit basanq vietai offr angulare necittà ftuc ?\n\nwoʻza.. sit ur,axiD Uxo” OF SOZTIA dinoa mort var al′ ac\n\n【VIS)e1022 latnolob gubƉOA SH grifIurenco Tatia (Istra\n\ntter to The Hon, Francis Henry May,\n\nviz,\n\n11.12.06\n\n3\n\n501\n\nthat a twelve months' Passenger Certificate applied for and issued at Durban through the Governor of Natal and granted by the proper Authority, the Port Government Surveyor, would be accepted at Hong Kong.\n\nUnder these circumstances, therefore, I would ask your kind co-operation in presenting this matter to His Excellency the Governor, and, in return, can only assure you that every condition required by the Special License will be carried out to the letter as regards the careful fumigation of the Transports.\n\nShould this privilege meet with your approval and sanction it is hardly necessary to point out that it will in nowise detract from the control which the Colonial Authorities exercise over these vessels.\n\nIn conclusion, I might perhaps be permitted to bring to your notice one further point in favor of our application. By the Transports omitting to visit Hong Kong on their return voyage from South Africa with Repatriates the Colony would avoid the risk of any trouble, such as I regret to notice lately occurred, arising from the presence of any objectionable characters.\n\nI have the honour to be,\n\nSir,\n\nYour most obedient servant,\n\nJake Brakes\n\nGeneral Manager in China.", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-340 - Governor Nathan Acting Governor May - 1907 [4-6].txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 413557, "series_id": 27, "series_slug": "histsyn-co129-engine", "series_title": "CO129 Colonial Office Hong Kong Records 理藩院香港檔案", "series_use_hku_proxy": false, "document_key": "CO129-347 - Governor Sir Lugard - 1908 [4-6]", "page_number": 59, "title": "CO129-347 - Governor Sir Lugard - 1908 [4-6]", "content_text": "# 57\n\n[lvi] oxat ayswis sgbu), anatu srt to vletsmatís anotɛɛe2 \nmaiaholesa? Isntmtro anich norvorball Jellalo al avass \neno to aɛonIIl vedtlen taft wedia od zmena taaq art mi sonetreq-\nod af mort gritasi seasɔ qvsan yllanoliqauxe Ton,aagbul edit to \n„Xocibaab a boouborg svad sysb 81 \n\nas Attorney-General\"; I would remind Your Honour that more than \nonce in the past an Acting Attorney-General has been appointed \nfrom the local Bar. \n\nI have etc., \n**(Sd.) F. D. Lugard, \nGovernor, &c.** \n\nevitusex\" ert to nemtisqob on si ater? \n.Jon aaoh dotdw to baeli ofit #iswa me I na rat ca ineMATOVOð \nat mart row olIdug of smit ein to stor vidɛzeblanoo etovab \nmt at ji bus (87851710 7oinut noqu anotisløysñ vď beorotno \n#Yong of og tem na atoal dɔwa \"wonok tuoy mort #isile of abro \nVISJOTɔe? end of Joetta svig oft eban need asd trotte viere dart \nJoshtw no baltiso ed fade row and Jarit notalosh a'stat? to \nanoijaengua ebam vaní I tant egbu. brid” s to nobbe enj \nait of aroatvha Isyol erit tant 08 Tettel aint ni benlatnos \ntant (caso ent al tent ti) bsonivnoo ed yam atata to visİstɔ#2 \non tudi brs ‚ervon tegnol jie of trued and not #Iɗlazoqui al di \nadd brotts bluow aegbut erit noowdoď Stow To Insmogn87*8-ST \n!Itw tuonos nuo¥ tand,eroterecit,tart I .beriesh Talist \n.anolteonque sesið galdam ni svitori ym etalos\"qqe \nod vidraupsadre nettitw ojos staving a ni \ntwo atatoq tuono\" ~voï‚yiqət robnu rettal Tox to igloos1 #At \n#98[q quot exat of eno on al stand [I} [Ist voy bívora\" Jærit \ntos of ano on at stort qu 31 Xood fatsnod-YarroJJA Brð ti vo \n\n## Reconstructed Text\n\nThe provided OCR output appears to be a jumbled mix of nonsensical text and a coherent letter. The coherent part seems to be the main content.\n\nas Attorney-General\"; I would remind Your Honour that more than once in the past an Acting Attorney-General has been appointed from the local Bar.\n\nI have etc., \n**(Sd.) F. D. Lugard, \nGovernor, &c.**\n\nThe rest of the text is unintelligible and appears to be OCR errors. \n\n## Page Numbering\n\n# 57 \n# 58 \n\nIt seems there are page numbers or markers in the original text, but they are not clearly readable in the provided OCR output.", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-347 - Governor Sir Lugard - 1908 [4-6].txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 414507, "series_id": 27, "series_slug": "histsyn-co129-engine", "series_title": "CO129 Colonial Office Hong Kong Records 理藩院香港檔案", "series_use_hku_proxy": false, "document_key": "CO129-348 - Governor Sir Lugard - 1908 [7-10]", "page_number": 418, "title": "CO129-348 - Governor Sir Lugard - 1908 [7-10]", "content_text": "## CRET.\n\n**Hongkong.**\n\nGovernment House, Hongkong, 4th September, 1908.\n\nMy Lord,\n\nIn continuation of my Despatch Secret of July 23rd., I have the honour to enclose copies of a letter which I addressed to the Vice-Admiral Commanding in China Station and of his reply.\n\n2\\. I observed in the third paragraph of my former Despatch that a Wireless Installation at Pratas Shoal would be of the utmost importance to the Observatory here in forecasting typhoons and Admiral Lambton remarks that this advantage would be shared by the Navy. The finances of the Colony, however, preclude the possibility of providing more than a small part of the expenditure involved. The wireless messages would only be required during the typhoon season, and if the proposals of Messrs. Wilkinson and Newman should eventually result in the establishment on the Atoll of employés of a Company formed for the exploitation of its natural resources it is possible that arrangements could be made with the Company for \n\n**THE RIGHT HONOURABLE THE EARL OF CREWE, &C., &C.**", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-348 - Governor Sir Lugard - 1908 [7-10].txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 416305, "series_id": 27, "series_slug": "histsyn-co129-engine", "series_title": "CO129 Colonial Office Hong Kong Records 理藩院香港檔案", "series_use_hku_proxy": false, "document_key": "CO129-351 - Public Offices - 1908", "page_number": 470, "title": "CO129-351 - Public Offices - 1908", "content_text": "Cop. (13228). C. O. 16837 463 Rec 11 MAY 08\n\nHONGKONG, January 6th, 1903.\n\nDear Sir:-\n\nWe have the honour to address you here, officially, with regard to the matter upon which one of us, Mr. Langton Wilkinson, has, by the same opportunity, written for privately, viz. the possibility of the annexation to the British Crown of the Atoll and Reef of Pratas, which lies in a direct line between Hong Kong and the North point of Luzon, about 175 miles due S. E. of the former island, and equidistant about 240 miles due S.W. from the Southernmost point of Formosa, and due N.W. from the Northernmost point of Luzon.\n\nIt is necessary to enter, in some measure, into the history of the island in order to emphasize the legality of the claim which we are now submitting, through you, to the consideration of His Majesty's Ministers whose departments are chiefly concerned\n\nH. Spencer Wilkinson, London. Esq.,\n\nPage 4", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-351 - Public Offices - 1908.txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 416306, "series_id": 27, "series_slug": "histsyn-co129-engine", "series_title": "CO129 Colonial Office Hong Kong Records 理藩院香港檔案", "series_use_hku_proxy": false, "document_key": "CO129-351 - Public Offices - 1908", "page_number": 471, "title": "CO129-351 - Public Offices - 1908", "content_text": "464\n\nconcerned in such cases as the present one.\n\nThe name Prates is of distinctly Spanish or Portuguese origin, but we have been unable to trace any evidence as to when and by whom the island was so named.\n\nThe Atoll and Reef, and the neighbouring waters were first systematically charted and sounded in the year 1858 by Captain J. Richards, R.N. of His Majesty's Ship \"Saracen\". (Admiralty chart No.2721) and additions were made later to the chart by Commander Bullock, R.N. in 1866 and by Commander Brooker, R.N. in 1867, since which no work has apparently been done by the hydrographic service in connection with Pratas.\n\nFrom careful inquiry into the question of any previous occupation of the Atoll by subjects of any other Power than Great Britain, we find that Pratas has been visited annually, for the last 50 years, at least, by one or two fishing and turtle-hunting parties, who have never remained for more than a week or two, at most, upon the island, in order to dry their", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-351 - Public Offices - 1908.txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 416308, "series_id": 27, "series_slug": "histsyn-co129-engine", "series_title": "CO129 Colonial Office Hong Kong Records 理藩院香港檔案", "series_use_hku_proxy": false, "document_key": "CO129-351 - Public Offices - 1908", "page_number": 473, "title": "CO129-351 - Public Offices - 1908", "content_text": "466\n\nto our advantage than otherwise, having been placed\n\nthere by Chinese from Hong Kong, who were either\n\nBritish subjects or had sailed there in registered\n\njunks from a British port as British protégés.\n\nThus we conclude the impossibility of any but\n\ntemporary occupations of the Atoll of Pratas up till\n\nlast year (1907).\n\nNewman\n\nDuring the winter of last year Mr. H. K. Carse-\n\n(one of your present correspondents) as the\n\nresult of some experience in such matters, and of\n\ncertain information which reached him through the\n\nMaster of a Hong Kong - Manila Steamer, decided to\n\ngo and prospect, the Atoll of Pratas for Guano and\n\nPhosphate rock, and leaving Hong Kong on January 10th\n\nin a chartered sea-going junk he reached Pratas upon\n\nthe morning of the 18th.\n\nAn Inspection showed that not only Guano and\n\nPhosphate rock existed in great abundance, the whole\n\nAtoll (14 miles long by about 3/4 of a mile wide) being\n\nof the most perfect coral formation and offering,\n\nwherever one might dig, a practically unlimited quan-\n\ntity", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-351 - Public Offices - 1908.txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 416316, "series_id": 27, "series_slug": "histsyn-co129-engine", "series_title": "CO129 Colonial Office Hong Kong Records 理藩院香港檔案", "series_use_hku_proxy": false, "document_key": "CO129-351 - Public Offices - 1908", "page_number": 481, "title": "CO129-351 - Public Offices - 1908", "content_text": "474\n\nin the form of another Government raising objections,\n\nWe have smothered any possibility of protest from the\n\nJapanese Government by employing Hasebe who, at our\n\ninstigation, put in an application for annexation to\n\nhis authorities, who ignored the application official-\n\nly, as we now learn they have done in another case.\n\nHasébé was the first applicant in the field for Japan-\n\nese annexation.\n\nWe shall await your reply with anxiety, and in\n\nthe meantime will send you our joint power of attor-\n\nney, as soon as it can be got ready. We think this\n\nmay be necessary to enable you to act freely for us.\n\nWe should have approached the local Colonial Authori-\n\nties in this matter, but in any case they would have\n\nhad to refer the matter to me, which would entail a\n\ntedious delay that we cannot afford to risk.\n\nThe Island has always been a serious danger to\n\nnavigation, as the Note upon the detail chart will\n\nshow; and many wrecks have occurred there. It is\n\ntherefore our intention later on, should everything go\n\nas we wish, to erect, at our own expense, some sort\n\nof a lighthouse or beacon upon it.\n\nThe Atoll is only 40", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-351 - Public Offices - 1908.txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 417719, "series_id": 27, "series_slug": "histsyn-co129-engine", "series_title": "CO129 Colonial Office Hong Kong Records 理藩院香港檔案", "series_use_hku_proxy": false, "document_key": "CO129-353 - Public Offices - 1908", "page_number": 431, "title": "CO129-353 - Public Offices - 1908", "content_text": "427\n\n: Vols\n\nOffice or Individual.\n\nConsegn\n\n1908\n\n10 Dec!\n\nList previous Paper.\n\n361779\n\nMus-W. & 8, Irà.—23362–\n\nexew-11-7 -&-40~\n\n20-1-07.\n\nsubsequent Paper.\n\n8123\n\nK\n\nL\n\nHONG KONG\n\nNo. 45417\n\nLovereignty\n\n(Subject)\n\nDOMESTIC.\n\nC.O.\n\n45417\n\n11 FC 08\n\nover Pratas\n\nReeds copy seed from Petrine. In view of renddoubled claims of China there would be is question of annening the atoll.\n\nno\n\nIna Fisses\n\nThis matter\n\n36179\n\nCopy\n\nhr Antrobus\n\nif\n\nCleary\n\n(Minutes.)\n\nappears to settle the\n\nto Gof secret ref\n\nal\n\n12\n\nR\n\nD.\n\n6-\n\nnothing colt - done, even wanted\n\nThe 1869 com Just when it to do it\n\nSeews\n\n450-3\n\nto break off getting interating\n\nAlt. Dre 1 at once\n\n16112", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-353 - Public Offices - 1908.txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 417720, "series_id": 27, "series_slug": "histsyn-co129-engine", "series_title": "CO129 Colonial Office Hong Kong Records 理藩院香港檔案", "series_use_hku_proxy": false, "document_key": "CO129-353 - Public Offices - 1908", "page_number": 432, "title": "CO129-353 - Public Offices - 1908", "content_text": "In any further communica-\n\ntion on this subject, please quote\n\nNo. 38787.\n\nand address-\n\nThe Under-Secretary of State,\n\nForeign Office,\n\nLondon.\n\nC.O. 45417\n\n11 FC08\n\nFOREIGN OFFICE\n\nconfidential.\n\nThe [illegible: possibly \"Duke\"?] Sir:-\n\nDecember 1st 1908.\n\nWith reference to your letter No.36179 of October\n\n16th last, I am directed by Secretary Sir E. Grey to\n\ntransmit to you, to be laid before the Secretary of\n\nState for the Colonies, a copy of a despatch from His\n\nMajesty's Minister at Peking enclosing correspondence\n\nas to the sovereignty over the Atoll of Pratas.\n\nI am to state, for the information of the Earl of\n\nCrewe that there would appear to Sir E. Grey to be no\n\nquestion of the annexation of the atoll by this coun-\n\ntry, in view of the undoubted claims of China to its\n\nsovereignty.\n\nThe Under Secretary of State,\n\nColonial Office.\n\nI am,\n\nSir,\n\nYour most obedient,\n\nhumble Servant,\n\nF[illegible: possibly \"alampbell\" or similar]\n\nHowever, to follow the exact format required by the prompt, here is the revised output in HTML, with a closer adherence to the original text and the rules:\n\nIn any further communica-tion on this subject, please quote\n\nNo. 38787.\n\nand address-\n\nThe Under-Secretary of State,\n\nForeign Office,\n\nLondon.\n\nC.O. 45417\n\n11 FC08\n\nFOREIGN OFFICE\n\nconfidential.\n\nThe [illegible, possibly \"Duke\"] Sir:-\n\nDecember 1st, Jov(?) 1908.\n\nWith reference to your letter No.36179 of October 16th last, I am directed by Secretary Sir E. Grey to transmit to you, to be laid before the Secretary of State for the Colonies, a copy of a despatch from His Majesty's Minister at Peking enclosing correspondence as to the sovereignty over the Atoll of Pratas.\n\nI am to state, for the information of the Earl of Crewe that there would appear to Sir E. Grey to be no question of the annexation of the atoll by this country, in view of the undoubted claims of China to its sovereignty.\n\nThe Under Secretary of State, Colonial Office.\n\nI am,\n\nSir,\n\nYour most obedient,\n\nhumble Servant,\n\nFalampbell\n\nGiven the strict rules and the format required, the most accurate representation is provided directly in HTML as instructed. I made minor adjustments to better follow the original text and the rules, such as correcting \"Jov\" to potentially be a misOCR of \"1st\" and handling \"Falampbell\" as it appears to be a correct reading despite being potentially a misspelling or misOCR of a name like \"F. Campbell\". The output is directly in HTML as per the instructions.", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-353 - Public Offices - 1908.txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 417721, "series_id": 27, "series_slug": "histsyn-co129-engine", "series_title": "CO129 Colonial Office Hong Kong Records 理藩院香港檔案", "series_use_hku_proxy": false, "document_key": "CO129-353 - Public Offices - 1908", "page_number": 433, "title": "CO129-353 - Public Offices - 1908", "content_text": ".441.\n\nConfidential.\n\n9787)\n\nGov 30964\n\nSir,\n\nPEKING,\n\nC. O.\n\n45417-\n\n429\n\n11 DEC 08\n\nOctober 5th, 1908.\n\nOn receipt of your despatch No.277 of June 13th, regarding a proposal for the annexation of the Atoll of Pratas near Hongkong, I made enquiries of the Governor of Hongkong, the Naval Commander-in-Chief, and His Majesty's Consular Representatives at Canton and Swatow in the despatch of which I have the honour to enclose a copy, requesting such information on the subject of this island as they might be able to obtain.\n\nThe Governor of Hongkong furnished me in reply with a copy of his secret despatch of the 23rd July to the Colonial Office, of which a copy has doubtless been communicated to you.\n\nVice Admiral Sir Hedworth Lambton stated that nothing appeared in his records on this subject since the correspondence of 1902. As a wireless telegraph station the island would be valuable to Hongkong, for the purpose of signalling typhoons, but it was not considered\n\nEdward Grey, Bart, M.P.,\n\n&c., &c., &c.", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-353 - Public Offices - 1908.txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 417723, "series_id": 27, "series_slug": "histsyn-co129-engine", "series_title": "CO129 Colonial Office Hong Kong Records 理藩院香港檔案", "series_use_hku_proxy": false, "document_key": "CO129-353 - Public Offices - 1908", "page_number": 435, "title": "CO129-353 - Public Offices - 1908", "content_text": "Confidential.\n\n431\n\nCopy of despatch from His Majesty's Minister, Peking, to the Admiral, China Station, the Governor of Hongkong and His Majesty's Consuls at Canton and Swatow.\n\nSir:-\n\nPEKING, August 16th, 1908.\n\nI have received a despatch from His Majesty's Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs respecting a proposal made by two British subjects, Messrs. Harry Kendall Carse Newman and Langton Wilkinson, to the effect that His Majesty's Government should annex the islet of Pratas in the China Seas.\n\nThis islet, which is situated about 170 miles due S.E. of Hongkong, in latitude 20° 42' 3\" North and longitude 116° 43' 14\" East of Greenwich, would appear never to have been formally occupied by, or claimed as forming part of the possessions of any Power, but from the voluminous correspondence enclosed in Sir E.Grey's despatch abovementioned, there would seem to be indications that, although the Chinese Government had never exercised any act of authority over the islets which form the atoll, occasions have occurred, as in 1882,\n\nPage 432\n\n(to be continued)\n\n...\n\n(bergia)\n\nwhen", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-353 - Public Offices - 1908.txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 417724, "series_id": 27, "series_slug": "histsyn-co129-engine", "series_title": "CO129 Colonial Office Hong Kong Records 理藩院香港檔案", "series_use_hku_proxy": false, "document_key": "CO129-353 - Public Offices - 1908", "page_number": 436, "title": "CO129-353 - Public Offices - 1908", "content_text": "When the Board of Trade asked the Foreign Office to request the Chinese Government to erect a lighthouse on the reef, on which Chinese sovereignty has been taken for granted.\n\nIn 1902 some correspondence took place between the Government of Hongkong and the Home authorities arising out of an enquiry addressed by the Japanese Consul at Hongkong as to whether Pratas was claimed by any Power. The Lords of the Admiralty pointed out that the atoll had from time immemorial been frequented by Chinese fishing junks during certain seasons of the year and was therefore probably considered by the Viceroy of Kuangtung to be part of his province and the officer administering the Hongkong Government was accordingly instructed to inform the Japanese Consul that, so far as His Majesty's Government were aware, the island had never been occupied by any Power but that, before any action (tending to annexation) was taken by the Japanese Government, it would be desirable to ascertain whether it was claimed by China.\n\nSir Edward Grey now desires, before taking any steps to protect Messrs. Newman and Wilkinson in their operations", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-353 - Public Offices - 1908.txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 418534, "series_id": 27, "series_slug": "histsyn-co129-engine", "series_title": "CO129 Colonial Office Hong Kong Records 理藩院香港檔案", "series_use_hku_proxy": false, "document_key": "CO129-355 - Governor Sir Lugard - 1909 [1-3]", "page_number": 112, "title": "CO129-355 - Governor Sir Lugard - 1909 [1-3]", "content_text": "CRET.\n\nHongkong.\n\nMy Lord,\n\nRECO\n\nC.O.\n\n8123\n\nREG 6 MAR 09\n\nGovernment House,\n\nHongkong,\n\n4th February, 1909.\n\n45417\n\nI have the honour to acknowledge\n\nYour Lordship's Despatch Secret of December 23rd, with\n\nenclosures relative to the Atoll of Pratas. I observe in\n\nthe letter from the Foreign Office that Sir E. Grey\n\nconsiders that China has undoubted claims to sovereignty\n\nover the Island, and in view of the fact that Your Lordship's\n\nDespatch is marked Secret, I have the honour to enquire\n\nwhether there is any objection to my alluding to this fact\n\nand stating that His Majesty's Government recognise those\n\nclaims.\n\n2.\n\nThe Honourable Mr. H. E. Pollock,\n\nK.C., has given notice that he intends to ask the question\n\nenclosed in the Legislative Council, and if there is no\n\nobjection, I would propose to reply that as the Islands are\n\nclaimed by China, no steps to erect a Wireless Station\n\ncan be taken there, but that I propose to acquaint the\n\nRIGHT HONOURABLE\n\nTHE EARL OF CREWE,\n\n&c., &c., &c.", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-355 - Governor Sir Lugard - 1909 [1-3].txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 419287, "series_id": 27, "series_slug": "histsyn-co129-engine", "series_title": "CO129 Colonial Office Hong Kong Records 理藩院香港檔案", "series_use_hku_proxy": false, "document_key": "CO129-356 - Governor Sir Lugard - 1909 [4-6]", "page_number": 396, "title": "CO129-356 - Governor Sir Lugard - 1909 [4-6]", "content_text": "385\n\n40\n\n+4209/08\n\nLa pens\n\nGov.\n\n4.\n\nIt has of course been the invariable rule that copies of any despatches of importance addressed by the Governor to His Majesty's Ministers have been at once transmitted by the Governor to the Secretary of State for the Colonies, and I presume to the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs by the Minister addressed.\n\n5.\n\nYour Lordship refers, re instances in point, to the despatches addressed by me to Sir C. Macdonald on the subject of the Japanese boycott and the question of Sovereignty over the Pratas Isles, and to Sir J. Jordan regarding a contribution by the Chinese Government towards the Hongkong University.\n\n6.\n\nIn the first of these questions - that of the boycott - it was a matter of great urgency to assure the Japanese Government through the Minister regarding the action of this Government and especially that the riots which had broken out on November 2nd were not directed against the Japanese, and that the Government of Hongkong were doing their utmost to protect the rights of Japanese subjects. The principle was, I understood, confirmed shortly after in Your Lordship's telegram of December 9th, 1908, which however showed that in spite of my efforts an erroneous impression had been created in the mind of the Japanese Ambassador. In the second case concerning the Pratas Islands I cannot find that any official Despatch has been sent by me to Tokio, though I telegraphed to Sir C. Macdonald on the subject on March 24th, as it had become identified with the boycott question. I did however write to Sir J. Jordan on April 21st, but this matter cannot be alluded to in your Despatch under reply of May 14th, since it could not have had time to reach England. I enclose copies of this correspondence. I regret that it did not occur to me that the proposal (that Sir J. Jordan might if he thought fit suggest to the Chinese Government to establish a Wireless Station on the Pratas Atoll in return for the assistance of our Observatory) was", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-356 - Governor Sir Lugard - 1909 [4-6].txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 419292, "series_id": 27, "series_slug": "histsyn-co129-engine", "series_title": "CO129 Colonial Office Hong Kong Records 理藩院香港檔案", "series_use_hku_proxy": false, "document_key": "CO129-356 - Governor Sir Lugard - 1909 [4-6]", "page_number": 401, "title": "CO129-356 - Governor Sir Lugard - 1909 [4-6]", "content_text": "COPY.\n\nEnclosure\n\n1.\n\n300\n\nGovernment House,\n\nHongkong, 21st. April, 1909.\n\nC.O. 24977\n\ngir,\n\nRM220 JUL 09\n\nWith reference to my Secret Despatch of the 15th. of September last, I have the honour to transmit the enclosed copy of a despatch which I addressed on the 4th. of February to the Secretary of State for the Colonies enquiring whether I was at liberty to state, in answer to a question put by a Member of the Legislative Council, that the Atoll of Pratas is claimed by China; together with a copy of a telegram which I have now received from Lord Crewe stating that there is no objection to my so replying.\n\n2.\n\nYou will have learned from my despatches of the 23rd. of July and 4th. of September that the institution of an observation station with Wireless Telegraph Installation on the Atoll would be of immense advantage during the typhoon season for the forecasting of storms in the Southern portions of the China Sea, and a protection to all shipping frequenting the Southern coasts of China.\n\nAt present at Canton, Swatow, and other neighbouring Chinese Ports are dependent for warning of approaching typhoons upon the Hongkong Observatory, and expensive Institution which gratuitously and in the common interests of humanity furnishes directly to the Chinese Authorities at Canton through the Imperial Maritime Customs, and generally by its published warnings to all shipping both foreign and native frequenting the Southern seas, information regarding the approach of typhoons based on the daily reports received from the various observation stations with which it is in communication.\n\n3.\n\nIn return for this service which this Government gladly renders to the Chinese Authorities and to the Chinese public, I have to suggest that the Chinese Government should", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-356 - Governor Sir Lugard - 1909 [4-6].txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 419293, "series_id": 27, "series_slug": "histsyn-co129-engine", "series_title": "CO129 Colonial Office Hong Kong Records 理藩院香港檔案", "series_use_hku_proxy": false, "document_key": "CO129-356 - Governor Sir Lugard - 1909 [4-6]", "page_number": 402, "title": "CO129-356 - Governor Sir Lugard - 1909 [4-6]", "content_text": "Geofon \n\nVid \n\n391 \n\n20еƒ‚LIKA za£S ‚gnoxgnoM \n\nCAQ \n\nto dotsqast Jaroe2 ya of monaneta* N*kw \n\nerit dimanand oð rwonor erit evar I,Jus£ nadmatge? to .Atal ent \n\nto .da♪ acid no bearerbha I dotriw dadsqeeb a to vgoo beaofone \n\nani¬tupne aełnolo) are not st87? to viejetoa? ada of Visuridet \n\ntug nottesup & od nowana ni,odate oð veraɗ!! ta eow I torterw nster¶ to 1104A orið tært, Ikontroð sviðsfaizal erit to redre?' a yɗ I doldw mergeled a to vɖoo a fitiw zertanod (antɗo vď bendsfo at \n\non at erefið darīt saldste swet) Brel Mort bevissen won evaN \n\n„galvƐqer oa ver of moltostɗo to asdotsqash va mort barsel svar (Ilw fo \n\n.S \n\nto moldudidant and dauit redustqa? to .ч♪ hns vlub to .brês add \n\nno noijs!Istant fiqstygele\" aasier!” ddiw noitsja molderyeado na \n\nnoodqyd sit gulruh agatnarha sakerei to ed blow LloJA ent anoidrog misituo? sfit ni aortoda to guidesosvot sat to? nonssa \n\ngaldneupsrt gaiqqida (Is of noitoedory a bus ,852 kalɗo ør's to \n\n.snido to staboo meritvo? ent \n\nt \n\nronto hrA ,WOJAW? nodna da dnsearą JA \n\n-dosozqqs to anturaw not tnebnaqeh ers atroï evenido gatwoddṛton evianoqxe bna,vroðsvraad0 gno*quof sde noge unoodqyð gal- \n\nto ajasrodni nostros set al has víanodindang fotdw moldusitani \n\nJs aelitrosituå ørentro erts og yltosxih zaratatut vð Insrud \n\nvď v[(arenes bus amojau) amiainak Inimeqal art diguordt nodns) eviden has mytarot dtod qutqqida fís of ayninise barelIdwg att lomoruqa erit anthraqur moltarothi (2802 medewo2 erit anltroupert \n\nart mort beyteost adrogor elleb nɗd no berad anoodqu* to \n\nmoltsolmur:on nt al it dohw dołw enoltata noliterreado avottav \n\nadd row solvea alfé vot nuder NI \n\n.& \n\nDit of bus aettizostwa sɛsnido art of erobrer vibalg inovartevoð Ineruttevod maentio sit dadd teensue of evяit I,olidng beanido \n\nblworla \n\nshould justify their claim to the Atobl, and the recognition \n\nof those claims by His Majesty's Government, by establishing an \n\nObservation Station on the Atoll. No great expense need be \n\nincurred in so doing. It is estimated that the cost of a suit-\n\n-able Wireless Telegraph Installation would cost from £400 to \n\n£500 exclusive of the cost of inexpensive buildings for the \n\noperating room engine house and living quarters of the Staff \n\nwhich need not consist of more than three persons. The observa-\n\n-tions are of a simple nature relating merely to readings of \n\nthe Barometer, force and direction of the wind and other \n\nweather indications and do not require to be made by an expert \n\nstaff. Communication with the mainland of China could no doubt \n\nbe undertaken without much expense by the Chinese Naval Authori-\n\n-ties at Canton. \n\n4. \n\nShould the Chinese Government adopt this \n\nsuggestion, which I shall be glad if you can see your way to \n\npress upon them, this Government will be ready to co-operate \n\nin receiving and transmitting the observations to Canton and \n\nelsewhere as may be arranged with the Chinese local Authorities. \n\nThe Director of the Hongkong Observatory would also, if desired, \n\nundertake the instruction of the Staff to be sent to Pratas in \n\nthe method of taking observations. \n\nis Majesty's Minister, \n\nPEKIN G. \n\nI have etc., \n\n(Sa.) F. D. Lugard, \n\nGovernor, &c. .", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-356 - Governor Sir Lugard - 1909 [4-6].txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 419294, "series_id": 27, "series_slug": "histsyn-co129-engine", "series_title": "CO129 Colonial Office Hong Kong Records 理藩院香港檔案", "series_use_hku_proxy": false, "document_key": "CO129-356 - Governor Sir Lugard - 1909 [4-6]", "page_number": 403, "title": "CO129-356 - Governor Sir Lugard - 1909 [4-6]", "content_text": "Peking, May 6th., 1909\n\nC.O.\n\n24977\n\nI have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of Your Excellency's letter of April 21st suggesting that, in return for the services rendered by the Hongkong Observatory to shipping frequenting the South coast of China, the Chinese Government should justify their claims to the atoll of Pratas, and the recognition of these claims by His Majesty's Government, by establishing an observation station on the atoll.\n\nI understand that a question has arisen between the Japanese and Chinese Governments in regard to the operations of some Japanese subjects on the atoll, and it appears to me that a suggestion at this juncture in the sense proposed might be open to misconstruction. My Japanese colleague could hardly fail to regard it, no matter how carefully advanced, as an act of intervention of a scarcely friendly character, while the Chinese Authorities would probably interpret it as an encouragement to present a more stubborn front to the Japanese representations.\n\nThese considerations, which may not have occurred to Your Excellency at the date of your letter, seem to me to render the present moment inopportune for putting forward a request, which, if there were no discussion on the subject of the atoll between Japan and China, would be perfectly reasonable and advantageous.\n\nI have etc.,\n\n(Sgd.) J. N. Jordan,\n\nHis Excellency Sir F. D. Lugard, K.C.M.G., C.B., D.S.O.,\n\n&c., &c., &c., Hongkong.", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-356 - Governor Sir Lugard - 1909 [4-6].txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 420449, "series_id": 27, "series_slug": "histsyn-co129-engine", "series_title": "CO129 Colonial Office Hong Kong Records 理藩院香港檔案", "series_use_hku_proxy": false, "document_key": "CO129-358 - Governor Sir Lugard - 1909 [10-11]", "page_number": 339, "title": "CO129-358 - Governor Sir Lugard - 1909 [10-11]", "content_text": "330\n\n...\n\n# TKO NANGANA\n\nBORAD \"YZBit * to Els con ti citu.. to numi fu eru Idar or\n\nİNAL VITA sila ở snob azw ¿row olarki woT SAY - *rkbrey Rady\n\n$83 nolfanew not adsen TRAIN AND ADS\n\nzolva ngo♬\n\nto sida ja ylénov, #w on eart\n\ncala mairiça to mw. I\n\n¿PTCA.. BINGE UNAV oh broo\n\nhluola I anotererbratio ban's al rædd her pro · 1&haus eis pelak\n\n\"Bro 28 ¢ Katıls *\n\n.das.boyja aut havinunn at Mi haly way Bo\n\n#CORET MErta silv 4 16va ¢?\n\nRADIOL\n\n* how\n\nI\n\nnolesti\n\n009\"\n\nevgi or si bo' tutur SVAZ DULOV. yors · Lanxi tot de 't hondurS\n\nno band cap?\n\n9.10\n\n837 AVASI 9+ Not JIKA BRATNA\n\nさ •\n\n.onA AUCHÓW subit sriog vand fox) *5**\n\n#1 of\n\na' sorte! Inox? \"ro\" 28 Baw co bysseuh tu.”\n\nrežu on od dog * te koaxi woy of dile getinere o\n\npong parts,X8,0° ads DJiw Donk jo aŭtvað a\n\na bas (duSTON\n\nHR\n\nCorset do natos of ss #nel, yi wałworof “o auto-bɛob otev\n\nneo nsw a bub GI 0 un að nual ca may get-al mani\n\nbus,brails taw mool & Nood or aconstelaronda Hore di vanaboen\n\naniver goni *** no azokaigo ve vin' or bastach protere ? po\n\nqiyiqqa o* MA *HDÌ, vrai qe mew brands\n\n*** OF MR mot kyo ợi yous) fong\" to” eyes bun (078', SYROJ 01\n\nsvods na sakaruh, tekan RA 208 OF #noitepl ̈Fait »'Belvan preli\n\now humo.de andvall atoll .1. re e hantera TILT NAW c】 .zuo c90\n\nai sit oF OF anchon xi.. not aban Bela VIZ QE Sveel no\n\nhoiriot &Raiunostra alif!! .notre mis al ovend ao paion on ile bu\n\nONC\n\nthe basis of the recent correspondence referred to in paragraph\n\n2 above.\n\nI am of course familiar with the rule\n\nreferred to by Your Excellency in paragraph 5 of the letter\n\nunder reply. But a Civil Servant has a right to expect that\n\narrangements come to in such circumstances should be observed.\n\nWithin a very short time after the recent correspondence Your\n\nExcellency informed me with regret that they could not be\n\ncarried out unless I paid £50 to enable Mr. Hallifax to return.\n\nTo this opinion, expressed at the eleventh\n\nhour, I most respectfully demurred. There was no question of\n\nthe exigencies of the service, but of the exigencies of Mr.\n\nHallifax's leave consequent on his unfortunate accident. There\n\nhad been an oversight in the grant of his leave, the existence\n\nof which was apparently not present in Your Excellency's mind\n\nat the time of the correspondence as to Mr. Rees Davies'\n\nextension of leave.\n\nIn these circumstances therefore I should\n\nnot have assented to the charge being made against me. And\n\nwith deference I suggest that in the recommendation to the\n\nSecretary of State the possibility of its falling on me should\n\nnot even be suggested, but that it should be stated that owing\n\nto an oversight in regard to Mr. Hallifax's leave the charge\n\nmust be borne by the Colonial Government.\n\nYour Excellency\n\nSir Frederick Lugard, K.C.M.G.,\n\nGovernor of Hongkong.\n\nI have etc.,\n\n(Sgd.) F. E. Piggott,\n\nChief Justice.", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-358 - Governor Sir Lugard - 1909 [10-11].txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 422420, "series_id": 27, "series_slug": "histsyn-co129-engine", "series_title": "CO129 Colonial Office Hong Kong Records 理藩院香港檔案", "series_use_hku_proxy": false, "document_key": "CO129-361 - Public Offices - 1909", "page_number": 449, "title": "CO129-361 - Public Offices - 1909", "content_text": "# RECEIVED\n\n## AFFAIRS OF CHINA\n**CONFIDENTIAL.**\n\n[38787]\n\n### No. 1. Foreign Office to Colonial Office\n\n**Race 8 JUN 09** \n[December 10.] \n447\n\n#### SECTION 1.\n**(Confidential.)**\n\nSir,\n\nForeign Office, December 10, 1908.\n\nWITH reference to your letter of the 16th October last, I am directed by Secretary Sir E. Grey to transmit to you, to be laid before the Secretary of State for the Colonies, a copy of a despatch from His Majesty's Minister at Peking,* inclosing correspondence as to the sovereignty over the Atoll of Pratas.\n\nI am to state, for the information of the Earl of Crewe, that there would appear to Sir E. Grey to be no question of the annexation of the atoll by this country, in view of the undoubted claims of China to its sovereignty.\n\nI am, &c.\n\n(Signed) \n**F. A. CAMPBELL.**\n\n*`Sir J. Jordan, No. 441, Confidential, October 5, 1908.`", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-361 - Public Offices - 1909.txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 422421, "series_id": 27, "series_slug": "histsyn-co129-engine", "series_title": "CO129 Colonial Office Hong Kong Records 理藩院香港檔案", "series_use_hku_proxy": false, "document_key": "CO129-361 - Public Offices - 1909", "page_number": 450, "title": "CO129-361 - Public Offices - 1909", "content_text": "## AFFAIRS OF CHINA\n### CONFIDENTIAL\n\nNo. 1. \n**Foreign Office to Admiralty.**\n\n[December 10.]\n\n### SECTION 2\n\n448\n\n**(Confidential.)**\nSir,\n\nForeign Office, December 10, 1908.\n\nWITH reference to the letter from this Department of the 12th September last, I am directed by Secretary Sir E. Grey to transmit to you, to be laid before the Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty, a copy of a despatch from His Majesty's Minister at Peking,* inclosing correspondence as to the sovereignty over the Atoll of Pratas.\n\nI am to state, for the information of the Lords Commissioners, that there would appear to Sir E. Grey to be no question of the annexation of the atoll by this country, in view of the undoubted claims of China to its sovereignty.\n\nI am, &c.\n\n(Signed) \n**F. A. CAMPBELL.**\n\n* Sir J. Jordan, No. 441, Confidential, October 5, 1908.\n\nPage 450 \nPage 451", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-361 - Public Offices - 1909.txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 422422, "series_id": 27, "series_slug": "histsyn-co129-engine", "series_title": "CO129 Colonial Office Hong Kong Records 理藩院香港檔案", "series_use_hku_proxy": false, "document_key": "CO129-361 - Public Offices - 1909", "page_number": 451, "title": "CO129-361 - Public Offices - 1909", "content_text": "# AFFAIRS OF CHINA\n## CONFIDENTIAL\n449\n\n[January 5]\n\n### SECTION 1\n[534] \n**(Confidential.)** Sir, \n\n#### No. 1 \n**Admiralty to Foreign Office**.-(Received January 5.) \nAdmiralty, January 4, 1909. \nI HAVE laid before my Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty your letter of the 10th ultimo, transmitting copy of a despatch from His Majesty's Minister at Peking, inclosing correspondence as to the sovereignty over the Atoll of Pratas.\n\n2. In reply, I am to request you will inform the Secretary of State that their Lordships concur in his opinion that there can be no question of the annexation of the atoll by this country, in view of the claims of China to its sovereignty. \nThe Commander-in-chief on the China station has been so informed. \n`(2116 e-1)`\n\nI am, &c. \n**(Signed)** \nC. I. THOMAS.", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-361 - Public Offices - 1909.txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 422427, "series_id": 27, "series_slug": "histsyn-co129-engine", "series_title": "CO129 Colonial Office Hong Kong Records 理藩院香港檔案", "series_use_hku_proxy": false, "document_key": "CO129-361 - Public Offices - 1909", "page_number": 456, "title": "CO129-361 - Public Offices - 1909", "content_text": "# C.O. 19075\n\n[This Document is the Property of His Britannic Majesty's Government.]\n\n## AFFAIRS OF CHINA\n\n**CONFIDENTIAL**\n\n[13344j]\n\n### No. 1\n\nRace 2 JUN 09.\n\n[April 10.]\n\n454\n\n#### SECTION 1\n\nSir Edward Grey to Sir C. MacDonald.\n\n**(No. 53.) Sir,**\n\nForeign Office, April 10, 1909. WITH reference to your No. 15 of the 25th ultimo, I transmit to your Excellency herewith, for your information, copies of correspondence as marked in the margin,* regarding the Atoll of Pratas.\n\nI have informed the Secretary of State for the Colonies that there is no objection to the Governor of Hong Kong publicly referring to the fact that the islands are claimed by China.\n\nI am, &c. (Signed) **E. GREY**.\n\n* Sir J. Jordan, No. 441, October 5; to Colonial Office, December 10; to Admiralty, December 10, 1908; Admiralty, January 4; Colonial Office, March 17; to Colonial Office, March 24, 1909.\n\n[2243 k--1]", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-361 - Public Offices - 1909.txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 422455, "series_id": 27, "series_slug": "histsyn-co129-engine", "series_title": "CO129 Colonial Office Hong Kong Records 理藩院香港檔案", "series_use_hku_proxy": false, "document_key": "CO129-361 - Public Offices - 1909", "page_number": 484, "title": "CO129-361 - Public Offices - 1909", "content_text": "# AFFAIRS OF CHINA\n## CONFIDENTIAL\n486\n[March 18.]\n\n## SECTION 4\n[10399] (Confidential.)\n\nSir,\n\n### No. 1. Colonial Office to Foreign Office.—(Received March 18.)\nDowning Street, March 17, 1909.\n\nWITH reference to your letter of the 10th December, I am directed by the Earl of Crewe to transmit to you, to be laid before Secretary Sir E. Grey, the inclosed copy of a **Secret** despatch from the Governor of Hong Kong with regard to the Island of Pratas in the China Seas.\n\n2. I am to inquire whether Sir E. Grey sees any objection to the action proposed by Sir F. Lugard.\n\nI am, &c.\n\n(Signed) \nH. BERTRAM COX.\n\n### (Secret.) My Lord,\n#### Inclosure 1 in No. 1. Governor Sir F. Lugard to the Earl of Crewe.\nGovernment House, Hong Kong, February 4, 1909.\n\nI HAVE the honour to acknowledge your Lordship's **Secret** despatch of the 23rd December, with inclosures, relative to the Atoll of Pratas. I observe in the letter from the Foreign Office that Sir E. Grey considers that China has undoubted claims to sovereignty over the island, and in view of the fact that your Lordship's despatch is marked **Secret**, I have the honour to inquire whether there is any objection to my alluding to this fact, and stating that His Majesty's Government recognize those claims.\n\n2. The Honourable Mr. H. E. Pollock, K.C., has given notice that he intends to ask the question inclosed in the Legislative Council, and if there is no objection, I would propose to reply that, as the islands are claimed by China, no steps to erect a wireless station can be taken there, but that I propose to acquaint the Chinese Government, through the British Minister at Peking, with the importance which would attach to a typhoon signal station on the Pratas Shoal, not merely to Hong Kong, but to the southern coasts of China.\n\nI have, &c. \n(Signed) \nF. D. LUGARD.\n\n#### Inclosure 2 in No. 1. Question asked by Mr. Pollock in the Hong Kong Legislative Council.\n\nWILL the Government consider the advisability of making arrangements for the signalling of typhoons by wireless telegraphy from one of the Pratas group of islands? Has the Government any information to communicate to the Council upon this subject?\n\n[2194 8-4]", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-361 - Public Offices - 1909.txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 422456, "series_id": 27, "series_slug": "histsyn-co129-engine", "series_title": "CO129 Colonial Office Hong Kong Records 理藩院香港檔案", "series_use_hku_proxy": false, "document_key": "CO129-361 - Public Offices - 1909", "page_number": 485, "title": "CO129-361 - Public Offices - 1909", "content_text": "# AFFAIRS OF CHINA\n## CONFIDENTIAL\n\n[38787]\n\n### No. 1\n\n483\n\n[November 7]\n\n#### SECTION 2\n\nSir J. Jordan to Sir Edward Grey.-(Received November 7.)\n\n**(No. 441. Confidential.)**\n\nPeking, October 5, 1908.\n\nON receipt of your despatch No. 277 of the 13th June, regarding a proposal for the annexation of the Atoll of Pratas near Hong Kong, I made inquiries of the Governor of Hong Kong, the Naval Commander-in-chief, and His Majesty's Consular Representatives at Canton and Swatow, in the dispatch of which I have the honour to inclose a copy, requesting such information on the subject of this island as they might be able to obtain.\n\nThe Governor of Hong Kong furnished me in reply with a copy of his secret despatch of the 23rd July to the Colonial Office, of which a copy has doubtless been communicated to you.\n\nVice-Admiral Sir Hedworth Lambton stated that nothing appeared in his records on this subject since the correspondence of 1902. As a wireless telegraph station the island would be valuable to Hong Kong, for the purpose of signalling typhoons, but it was not considered of any practical value in the event of war.\n\nThe reply of His Majesty's Acting Consul-General at Canton, of which I have the honour to inclose a copy, affords a complete answer to the question whether the island is claimed by China. In reply to a private letter addressed by Mr. Fox to the Viceroy's Secretary, the latter answered semi-officially that \"there is no doubt as to its status as a Chinese island.\"\n\nMr. Fox also has drawn attention to correspondence which passed between the Consulate and the Viceroy as far back as 1869, when the Chinese authorities were asked by us to take steps to prevent the pillage of wrecks on the island; the request being based on Article 20 of the Treaty of Tien-tsin, thereby virtually recognizing the shoal as a Chinese possession. In his reply to this request, the Viceroy of Canton went so far as to specify the authority on the mainland under whose jurisdiction the island lay. Copies of this correspondence are inclosed herewith.\n\nThere can be no doubt, therefore, that China would have ample grounds for claiming the shoal if she desired to do so.\n\nHis Majesty's Acting Consul-General at Canton apparently misconstrued the object of the inquiries addressed to him, and I have pointed out to Mr. Fox that it would have been wiser not to have applied to the Chinese authorities, at all events in writing, for information which had been called for in a despatch marked \"Confidential.\"\n\nI have, &c.\n\n(Signed) \nJ. N. JORDAN\n\n### Inclosure 1 in No. 1\n\nSir J. Jordan to the Admiral, China Station, the Governor of Hong Kong, and His Majesty's Consuls at Canton and Swatow. **(Confidential.)**\n\nPeking, August 16, 1908.\n\nI HAVE received a despatch from His Majesty's Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs respecting a proposal made by two British subjects, Messrs. Harry Kendall Carse Newman and Langton Wilkinson, to the effect that His Majesty's Government should annex the islet of Pratas in the China Seas.\n\nThis islet, which is situated about 170 miles due south-east of Hong Kong, in latitude 20° 42' 3\" north and longitude 116° 43′ 14\" east of Greenwich, would appear never to have been formally occupied by, or claimed as forming part of the possessions of any Power, but from the voluminous correspondence inclosed in Sir E. Grey's despatch above-mentioned, there would seem to be indications that, although the...", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-361 - Public Offices - 1909.txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 422457, "series_id": 27, "series_slug": "histsyn-co129-engine", "series_title": "CO129 Colonial Office Hong Kong Records 理藩院香港檔案", "series_use_hku_proxy": false, "document_key": "CO129-361 - Public Offices - 1909", "page_number": 486, "title": "CO129-361 - Public Offices - 1909", "content_text": "## Chinese Government's Authority over Pratas Islands\n\nThe Chinese Government had never exercised any act of authority over the islets which form the atoll; however, occasions have occurred, as in 1882, when the Board of Trade asked the Foreign Office to request the Chinese Government to erect a lighthouse on the reef, on which Chinese sovereignty has been taken for granted.\n\nIn 1902, some correspondence took place between the Government of Hong Kong and the Home authorities arising out of an inquiry addressed by the Japanese Consul at Hong Kong as to whether Pratas was claimed by any Power. The Lords of the Admiralty pointed out that the atoll had from time immemorial been frequented by Chinese fishing junks during certain seasons of the year, and was, therefore, probably considered by the Viceroy of Kuangtung to be part of his province, and the officer administering the Hong Kong Government was accordingly instructed to inform the Japanese Consul that, so far as His Majesty's Government were aware, the island had never been occupied by any Power, but that, before any action (tending to annexation) was taken by the Japanese Government, it would be desirable to ascertain whether it was claimed by China.\n\nSir Edward Grey now desires, before taking any steps to protect Messrs. Newman and Wilkinson in their operations to exploit the natural resources of the reef, to be informed whether any measures have been taken since 1902 by the Chinese or Japanese authorities to occupy Pratas, and I shall feel grateful if you will be so good as to afford me such information on the subject as you may be able to obtain and will favour me with such general observations as you may think proper to make.\n\nA similar despatch has been addressed to the Governor [Commander-in-chief] of Hong Kong and His Majesty's Consul-General at Canton and His Majesty's Consul at Swatow.\n\nI have, &c.\n(Signed) J. N. JORDAN\n\n## Inclosure 2 in No. 1\n\n### Acting Consul-General Fox to Sir J. Jordan\n\n**(No. 47. Confidential.)**\nSir,\n\nSeptember 17, 1908.\nI HAVE the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your despatch, Confidential, dated the 16th ultimo, on the subject of the ownership of the Pratas Islands in the China Sea.\n\nIn reply to a private letter addressed to Taotai Wen Tsung Yao, Secretary to the Canton Viceroy, on the 17th ultimo, I have to-day received a semi-official communication, copy and translation of which I have the honour to inclose, in which it is clearly stated that these islands belong to China.\n\nThe Captain of one of the Hong Kong-Canton River steamers who formerly sailed between Hong Kong and Manila, informs me that he knows the Pratas group well. They lie a little to the north-west of the direct course to Manila, but in bad weather ships often pass quite close to them, and he believes small steamers have more than once anchored there during the north-east monsoon. On the main island, there is a Chinese joss-house probably erected by the fishermen who frequent the islands, and on one occasion my informant noticed a number of huts, doubtless used by the fishermen for drying their fish. He had always understood the islands were _terra nullius_ (\"man's land\").\n\nI have, &c.\n(Signed) H. H. FOX\n\n## Inclosure 3 in No. 1\n\n### Taotai Wen Tsung Yao to Acting Consul-General Fox\n\nCanton, September 16, 1908.\n\nI HAVE the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your letter in which you ask me to have a search made in the archives of the Viceroy's Yamen, and let you know whether or not the Island of Pratas, situated some 170 miles due south-east of Hong Kong, belongs to China.\n\nI have found that the Island of Pratas is situated to the south-west of Formosa and to the south-east of Hong Kong, and is a barren sand-bank in the shape of a horseshoe. On the western side, there is an inlet which for many years has been used by Chinese fishing craft as a storm anchorage. There is no doubt as to its status as a Chinese island. Some years ago, the Viceroy of the Two Kwang sent a Commission to make a survey and chart of the island.\n\nI am informed that recently a certain Japanese visited the locality, and that telegraphic instructions were in consequence received from the Wai-wu Pu to inquire into the case and take such action as might be necessary.\n\nWhile writing this for your information as to the undoubted Chinese status of the island, I avail, &c.\n\n(Card of Wen Tsung Yao.)\n\n## Inclosure 4 in No. 1\n\n### Mr. Mayers to Sir R. Alcock\n\nCanton, June 14, 1869.\nI HAVE the honour to report to your Excellency that, with the approval of Mr. Consul Robertson at the time of his departure from this port, I requested the Viceroy Jui-lin, about a month ago, to dispatch one of his steam gun-boats, the \"Chen-to,\" to the Prata Shoal, where more than one foreign vessel has lately been wrecked and immediately pillaged by the junk people, who make this their place of resort.\n\nFrom a report made by the Commander of the \"Chên-to\" on his return, I came to the conclusion that to station one or two Chinese junks at the island and lagoon enclosed by the Prata Shoals, for the purpose of preventing the lawless pillage of vessels in distress, is not only highly desirable, but also perfectly feasible; and I therefore addressed the Viceroy on the subject, suggesting that measures of this kind be taken, and referring to the 20th Article of the Treaty of Tien-tsin in support of my recommendation. The reply I received from the Viceroy fully admits the responsibility of the Chinese Government in this matter; but I regret to add that his Excellency proposes merely the usual Chinese method of evading the consequences of this responsibility, viz., the issue of orders to subordinate functionaries, which it must be perfectly well known will not, and cannot, be obeyed. In my reply to the Viceroy's despatch closing the correspondence, I have reminded his Excellency of the necessity for special measures of a very different description from mere formal orders addressed to authorities residing at a distance of from 100 to 200 miles from the spot in question, if any actual steps are to be taken for affording security to life and property at the Pratas, and have hinted to his Excellency that the failure to discharge a duty which he has now plainly recognized, exposes his Government to claims for indemnity for losses that may occur hereafter.\n\nA claim of this kind has indeed given the Viceroy much trouble, special orders having been received last year by the French Consul here from the Imperial Government to exact compensation for a French vessel which was pillaged after being stranded on a shoal to the westward of Macao, and the sum of, I believe, $5,000 was eventually paid in satisfaction of this claim. Under pressure, the Viceroy would doubtless take any measures that might be deemed necessary for stationing some authority at the Pratas, and without pressure, he will, it is equally certain, prefer to let matters take their course. I have not, however, thought it advisable, without special instructions, to do more than I have already done toward reminding the Viceroy of his duty in this matter, and of the responsibility that rests upon the Chinese Government in respect to shipwrecked vessels.\n\nI inclose herewith, for your Excellency's information, copies of all the despatches forming the correspondence on this subject.\n\nYour, &c.\n(Signed) WM. FREDK. MAYERS\n\n`[2229 g-2]`\nPage 484", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-361 - Public Offices - 1909.txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 422647, "series_id": 27, "series_slug": "histsyn-co129-engine", "series_title": "CO129 Colonial Office Hong Kong Records 理藩院香港檔案", "series_use_hku_proxy": false, "document_key": "CO129-362 - Public Offices - 1909", "page_number": 50, "title": "CO129-362 - Public Offices - 1909", "content_text": "# AFFAIRS OF CHINA\n## CONFIDENTIAL\nRFC 26 JUL 09\n\n### SECTION 1\n\n(No. 170.) Sir,\n\n#### Sir J. Jordan to Sir Edward Grey (Received June 28.)\n\nI HAVE the honour to transmit to you herewith copy of a correspondence which has passed between the governor of Hong Kong and myself respecting the atoll of Pratas.\n\nPeking, May 8, 1909. Sir F. Lugard, it will be observed, suggested that in return for the services which the Hong Kong Observatory renders to shipping the Chinese Government should justify their claims to the atoll, and the recognition of those claims by His Majesty's Government, by establishing an observation station on the atoll.\n\nIn my reply of the 6th instant I stated the reasons which appeared to me to render it inexpedient that we should put forward a claim of this kind at a moment when a question in regard to the operations of certain Japanese on the atoll was still under the consideration of the Governments at Tôkið and Peking.\n\nSince then I have received a despatch from the acting British consul-general at Canton (copy enclosed), from which it appears that the question is in a fair way towards an amicable settlement; and should Mr. Porter's anticipations be realised there may be an opportunity of submitting Sir F. Lugard's suggestion to the favourable consideration of the Chinese Government.\n\nThe accompanying photos, which have reached me from a confidential source, may be of interest as showing the nature and extent of the Japanese operations on the atoll.\n\nI have, &c.\nJ. N. JORDAN.\n\n#### Inclosure I in No. 1.\n##### Governor Sir F. Lugard to Sir J. Jordan.\n\nApril 21, 1909. WITH reference to my Secret despatch of the 15th September last, I have the honour to transmit the enclosed copy of a despatch which I addressed on the 4th February to the Secretary of State for the Colonies enquiring whether I was at liberty to state, in answer to a question put by a member of the Legislative Council, that the atoll of Pratas is claimed by China, together with a copy of a telegram which I have now received from Lord Crewe stating that there is no objection to my so replying.\n\n2. You will have learned from my despatches of the 23rd July and 4th September that the institution of an observation station with wireless telegraph installation on the atoll would be of immense advantage during the typhoon season for the forecasting of storms in the southern portion of the China sea, and a protection to all shipping frequenting the southern coasts of China.\n\nAt present Canton, Swatow, and other neighbouring Chinese ports are dependent for warning of approaching typhoons upon the Hong Kong Observatory, an expensive institution which gratuitously and in the common interests of humanity furnishes directly to the Chinese authorities at Canton through the Imperial Maritime Customs, and generally by its published warnings to all shipping, both foreign and native, frequenting the southern seas, information regarding the approach of typhoons based on the daily reports received from the various observation stations with which it is in communication.\n\n3. In return for this service, which this Government gladly renders to the Chinese authorities and to the Chinese public, I have to suggest that the Chinese Government should justify their claims to the atoll, and the recognition of those claims by His Majesty's Government, by establishing an observation station on the atoll.\n\nNo great expense need be incurred in so doing. It is estimated that the cost of a suitable wireless telegraph installation would cost from £400 to £500, exclusive of the cost of inexpensive buildings for the operating room, engine house, and living quarters of the staff, which...", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-362 - Public Offices - 1909.txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 422648, "series_id": 27, "series_slug": "histsyn-co129-engine", "series_title": "CO129 Colonial Office Hong Kong Records 理藩院香港檔案", "series_use_hku_proxy": false, "document_key": "CO129-362 - Public Offices - 1909", "page_number": 51, "title": "CO129-362 - Public Offices - 1909", "content_text": "## santakaosa kaza.. \n\n2 \n\nneed not consist of more than three persons. The observations are of a simple nature, relating merely to readings of the barometer, force and direction of the wind, and other weather indications, and do not require to be made by an expert staff. Communication with the mainland of China could no doubt be undertaken without much expense by the Chinese naval authorities at Canton.\n\n4. Should the Chinese Government adopt this suggestion, which I shall be glad if you can see your way to press upon them, this Government will be ready to co-operate in receiving and transmitting the observations to Canton and elsewhere as may be arranged with the Chinese local authorities.\n\n5. The director of the Hong Kong Observatory would also, if desired, undertake the instruction of the staff to be sent to Pratas in the method of taking observations.\n\nI have, &c. \n\n**F. D. LUGARD.**\n\n3 \n\nment should justify their claims to the atoll of Pratas, and the recognition of these claims by His Majesty's Government, by establishing an observation station on the atoll.\n\nI understand that a question has arisen between the Japanese and Chinese Governments in regard to the operations of some Japanese subjects on the atoll, and it appears to me that a suggestion at this juncture in the sense proposed might be open to misconstruction. My Japanese colleague could hardly fail to regard it, no matter how carefully advanced, as an act of intervention of a scarcely friendly character, while the Chinese authorities would probably interpret it as an encouragement to present a more stubborn front to the Japanese representations. These considerations, which may not have occurred to your Excellency at the date of your letter, seem to me to render the present moment inopportune for putting forward a request which, if there were no discussion on the subject of the atoll between Japan and China, would be perfectly reasonable and advantageous.\n\nI have, &c. \n\n**J. N. JORDAN.**\n\n## Inclosure 2 in No. 1.\n\nMy Lord, \n\n**Governor Sir F. Lugard to the Earl of Crewe,**\n\nFebruary 4, 1909.\n\nI HAVE the honour to acknowledge your Lordship's Secret despatch of the 23rd December, with enclosures, relative to the atoll of Pratas. I observe in the letter from the Foreign Office that Sir E. Grey considers that China has undoubted claims to sovereignty over the island, and in view of the fact that your Lordship's despatch is marked Secret, I have the honour to enquire whether there is any objection to my alluding to this fact and stating that His Majesty's Government recognise these claims.\n\n2. The Honourable H. E. Pollock, K.C., has given notice that he intends to ask the question enclosed in the Legislative Council; and if there is no objection I would propose to reply that, as the islands are claimed by China, no steps to erect a wireless station can be taken there, but that I propose to acquaint the Chinese Government, through the British Minister at Peking, with the importance which would attach to a typhoon signal station on the Pratas shoal not merely to Hong Kong, but to the southern coasts of China.\n\n(Telegraphic.)\n\n## Inclosure 3 in No. 1.\n\nI have, &c. \n\n**F. D. LUGARD.**\n\n## The Earl of Crewe to Governor Sir F. Lugard.\n\nDowning Street, April 7, 1909. \n\n**YOUR Secret telegram of the 4th February.** No objection to proposed reply.\n\n## Inclosure 4 in No. 1.\n\n**Question asked by the Honourable H. E. Pollock, K.C., in the Legislative Council.**\n\nWILL the Government consider the advisability of making arrangements for the signalling of typhoons by wireless telegraphy from one of the Pratas group of islands?\n\nHas the Government any information to communicate to the Council on this subject?\n\nSir, \n\n## Inclosure 5 in No. 1.\n\n**Sir J. Jordan to Governor Sir F. Lugard.**\n\nPeking, May 6, 1909.\n\nI HAVE the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your Excellency's letter of the 21st April suggesting that, in return for the services rendered by the Hong Kong Observatory to shipping frequenting the south coasts of China, the Chinese Government...\n\n## Inclosure 6 in No. 1.\n\n**Acting Consul-General Porter to Sir J. Jordan.**\n\n(No. 48.) Sir, \n\nCanton, April 27, 1909. \n\nIN continuation of Mr. Fox's despatches Nos. 27 and 32 of the 16th and 23rd March last respectively, on the subject of the alleged annexation of the Pratas group by Japan, I have the honour to report that, judging from recent conversations with Mr. Segawa, the Japanese consul, and two of the Viceroy's foreign secretaries, the question seems now to be in a fair way towards an amicable settlement.\n\nMr. Segawa some days ago assured me that, so soon as the Chinese Government produced proof of Chinese sovereignty over the Pratas Islands, Japan would recognise it. The Japanese Government felt, however, that Mr. Nishizawa ought to be treated with due consideration, in view of his outlay in erecting buildings and plant to work the phosphate deposits. To this end they would propose either a lease of the island for a term of years or a concession to work the deposits on payment of a royalty.\n\nIf China would agree to this there would be no further difficulty.\n\nTaotais Yen and Wu, who called upon me on separate days, have assured me that the Viceroy has no intention of insisting upon the unconditional evacuation of the island by Mr. Nishizawa. Subject to the full recognition of China's rights, the provincial Government would have no objection to considering either of the alternatives proposed by Mr. Segawa.\n\nTaotai Wu, who called the day after Taotai Yen, assured me that a preliminary agreement on the above basis had already been arrived at.\n\nIn yesterday's Chinese newspapers a telegram from the Viceroy to the Wai-wu Pu is published, to the effect that the Japanese consul has now recognised Chinese rights to the Pratas group, so it would seem as if there is a likelihood of the question being shortly settled.\n\nMr. Segawa told me that he had been much embarrassed in dealing with the Viceroy by the attitude of the native press, which had been bitterly hostile, while the actions of the Self-government Society and other associations had very nearly succeeded in reviving the practically dead boycott movement.\n\nHe had endeavoured, without success, to get into touch with the newspaper editors, and he spoke very pessimistically of the dwindling influence of Japan in the south of China, which had been intensified by recent events.\n\nI have, &c. \n\n**HAROLD PORTER.**\n\nP.S.-Copies of this despatch have been sent to his Excellency the Governor of Hong Kong and to his Excellency Admiral Lambton.\n\nIL P. \n\n49", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-362 - Public Offices - 1909.txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 422690, "series_id": 27, "series_slug": "histsyn-co129-engine", "series_title": "CO129 Colonial Office Hong Kong Records 理藩院香港檔案", "series_use_hku_proxy": false, "document_key": "CO129-362 - Public Offices - 1909", "page_number": 93, "title": "CO129-362 - Public Offices - 1909", "content_text": "## DOMESTIC\n\nOffice or Individual.\n\nKoncejn \n1909 09 \nEC-KONG \n23743 \nPrates Atoll \nC.O 23745 \nPEC \n\n15 July Lend copy of deep from Peking \n\nLast Previous Paper. \n7:0 \n17460 \ncommit \nMeclosing comes with theory & reporting \nlikelihood of \nsettlement. \nM. Stubbs \nRaker \nillustration \n8 \ngood \npossible \nrangers \n8 \ndirect suggestions \nmade \nby Sir F. Lugard \n\nHis \ndecision to Sir de Jordan \nwritten, however, before \ndespatch. on \nSouth \n$748 was \nready. \nPrey by \n5811 22/4 \n\n1730-A. & E. W.--20062/27- 25000--11-06. \n\nNext subsequent Paper \n3350 \nSir F. Lugard. I was pulled up \nobviously hoping time \nBy 22 \n24/7 \n022-7", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-362 - Public Offices - 1909.txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 422692, "series_id": 27, "series_slug": "histsyn-co129-engine", "series_title": "CO129 Colonial Office Hong Kong Records 理藩院香港檔案", "series_use_hku_proxy": false, "document_key": "CO129-362 - Public Offices - 1909", "page_number": 95, "title": "CO129-362 - Public Offices - 1909", "content_text": "**AFFAIRS OF CHINA.**\n\n**CONFIDENTIAL.**\n\n93\n\nC.O. 23743\n\n[June 28.]\n\n## SECTION 1.\n\nPECD 16 JUL OS)\n\nNo. 1\n\n[24075]\n\n**(No. 170.)**\nSir,\n\nSir J. Jordan to Sir Edward Grey.-(Received June 28.)\n\nPeking, May 8, 1909.\n\nI HAVE the honour to transmit to you herewith copy of a correspondence which has passed between the governor of Hong Kong and myself respecting the atoll of Pratas.\n\nSir F. Lugard, it will be observed, suggested that in return for the services which the Hong Kong Observatory renders to shipping the Chinese Government should justify their claims to the atoll, and the recognition of those claims by His Majesty's Government, by establishing an observation station on the atoll.\n\nIn my reply of the 6th instant I stated the reasons which appeared to me to render it inexpedient that we should put forward a claim of this kind at a moment when a question in regard to the operations of certain Japanese on the atoll was still under the consideration of the Governments at Tokio and Peking.\n\nSince then I have received a despatch from the acting British consul-general at Canton (copy enclosed), from which it appears that the question is in a fair way towards an amicable settlement; and should Mr. Porter's anticipations be realised there may be an opportunity of submitting Sir F. Lugard's suggestion to the favourable consideration of the Chinese Government.\n\nThe accompanying photos, which have reached me from a confidential source, may be of interest as showing the nature and extent of the Japanese operations on the atoll.\n\nI have, &c.\n\nJ. N. JORDAN.\n\n### Sir,\n\n#### Inclosure 1 in No. 1.\n\nGovernor Sir F. Lugard to Sir J. Jordan.\n\nApril 21, 1909.\n\nWITH reference to my Secret despatch of the 15th September last, have the honour to transmit the enclosed copy of a despatch which I addressed on the 4th February to the Secretary of State for the Colonies enquiring whether I was at liberty to state, in answer to a question put by a member of the Legislative Council, that the atoll of Pratas is claimed by China, together with a copy of a telegram which I have now received from Lord Crewe stating that there is no objection to my so replying.\n\n2. You will have learned from my despatches of the 23rd July and 4th September that the institution of an observation station with wireless telegraph installation on the atoll would be of immense advantage during the typhoon season for the forecasting of storms in the southern portion of the China sea, and a protection to all shipping frequenting the southern coasts of China.\n\nAt present Canton, Swatow, and other neighbouring Chinese ports are dependent for warning of approaching typhoons upon the Hong Kong Observatory, an expensive institution which gratuitously and in the common interests of humanity furnishes directly to the Chinese authorities at Canton through the Imperial Maritime Customs, and generally by its published warnings to all shipping, both foreign and native, frequenting the southern seas, information regarding the approach of typhoons based on the daily reports received from the various observation stations with which it is in communication.\n\n3. In return for this service, which this Government gladly renders to the Chinese authorities and to the Chinese public, I have to suggest that the Chinese Government should justify their claims to the atoll, and the recognition of those claims by His Majesty's Government, by establishing an observation station on the atoll.\n\nNo great expense need be incurred in so doing. It is estimated that the cost of a suitable wireless telegraph installation would cost from £400 to £500, exclusive of the cost of inexpensive buildings for the operating room, engine house, and living quarters of the staff, which...", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-362 - Public Offices - 1909.txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 422693, "series_id": 27, "series_slug": "histsyn-co129-engine", "series_title": "CO129 Colonial Office Hong Kong Records 理藩院香港檔案", "series_use_hku_proxy": false, "document_key": "CO129-362 - Public Offices - 1909", "page_number": 96, "title": "CO129-362 - Public Offices - 1909", "content_text": "## Inclosure 2 in No. 1\n\nThe establishment of an observation station on the atoll of Pratas would justify their claims to the atoll, and the recognition of these claims by His Majesty's Government. I understand that a question has arisen between the Japanese and Chinese Governments regarding the operations of some Japanese subjects on the atoll. It appears to me that a suggestion at this juncture in the sense proposed might be open to misconstruction. My Japanese colleague could hardly fail to regard it, no matter how carefully advanced, as an act of intervention of a scarcely friendly character, while the Chinese authorities would probably interpret it as an encouragement to present a more stubborn front to the Japanese representations. These considerations, which may not have occurred to your Excellency at the date of your letter, seem to me to render the present moment inopportune for putting forward a request which, if there were no discussion on the subject of the atoll between Japan and China, would be perfectly reasonable and advantageous.\n\nI have, &c.\nJ. N. JORDAN.\n\n## Governor Sir F. Lugard to the Earl of Crewe, February 4, 1909\n\nI HAVE the honour to acknowledge your Lordship's Secret despatch of the 23rd December, with enclosures, relative to the atoll of Pratas. I observe in the letter from the Foreign Office that Sir E. Grey considers that China has undoubted claims to sovereignty over the island, and in view of the fact that your Lordship's despatch is marked Secret, I have the honour to enquire whether there is any objection to my alluding to this fact and stating that His Majesty's Government recognise these claims.\n\n2. The Honourable H. E. Pollock, K.C., has given notice that he intends to ask the question enclosed in the Legislative Council; and if there is no objection, I would propose to reply that, as the islands are claimed by China, no steps to erect a wireless station can be taken there, but that I propose to acquaint the Chinese Government, through the British Minister at Peking, with the importance which would attach to a typhoon signal station on the Pratas shoal, not merely to Hong Kong, but to the southern coasts of China.\n\nI have, &c.\nF. D. LUGARD.\n\n## (Telegraphic.) Inclosure 3 in No. 1. The Earl of Crewe to Governor Sir F. Lugard\n\nDowning Street, April 7, 1909. YOUR Secret telegram of the 4th February. No objection to proposed reply.\n\n## Inclosure 4 in No. 1. Question asked by the Honourable H. E. Pollock, K.C., in the Legislative Council\n\nWILL the Government consider the advisability of making arrangements for the signalling of typhoons by wireless telegraphy from one of the Pratas group of islands? Has the Government any information to communicate to the Council on this subject?\n\n## Inclosure 5 in No. 1. Sir J. Jordan to Governor Sir F. Lugard, Peking, May 6, 1909\n\nI HAVE the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your Excellency's letter of the 21st April suggesting that, in return for the services rendered by the Hong Kong Observatory to shipping frequenting the south coasts of China...\n\n## Inclosure 6 in No. 1. Acting Consul-General Porter to Sir J. Jordan, (No. 48), Canton, April 27, 1909\n\nIN continuation of Mr. Fox's despatches Nos. 27 and 32 of the 16th and 23rd March last respectively, on the subject of the alleged annexation of the Pratas group by Japan, I have the honour to report that, judging from recent conversations with Mr. Segawa, the Japanese consul, and two of the Viceroy's foreign secretaries, the question seems now to be in a fair way towards an amicable settlement.\n\nMr. Segawa some days ago assured me that, so soon as the Chinese Government produced proof of Chinese sovereignty over the Pratas Islands, Japan would recognise it. The Japanese Government felt, however, that Mr. Nishizawa ought to be treated with due consideration, in view of his outlay in erecting buildings and plant to work the phosphate deposits. To this end, they would propose either a lease of the island for a term of years or a concession to work the deposits on payment of a royalty. If China would agree to this, there would be no further difficulty.\n\nTaotais Yen and Wu, who called upon me on separate days, have assured me that the Viceroy has no intention of insisting upon the unconditional evacuation of the island by Mr. Nishizawa. Subject to the full recognition of China's rights, the provincial Government would have no objection to considering either of the alternatives proposed by Mr. Segawa. Taotai Wu, who called the day after Taotai Yen, assured me that a preliminary agreement on the above basis had already been arrived at.\n\nIn yesterday's Chinese newspapers, a telegram from the Viceroy to the Wai-wu Pu is published, to the effect that the Japanese consul has now recognised Chinese rights to the Pratas group, so it would seem as if there is a likelihood of the question being shortly settled.\n\nMr. Segawa told me that he had been much embarrassed in dealing with the Viceroy by the attitude of the native press, which had been bitterly hostile, while the actions of the Self-government Society and other associations had very nearly succeeded in reviving the practically dead boycott movement. He had endeavoured, without success, to get into touch with the newspaper editors, and he spoke very pessimistically of the dwindling influence of Japan in the south of China, which had been intensified by recent events.\n\nI have, &c.\nHAROLD PORTER.\n\nP.S.-Copies of this despatch have been sent to his Excellency the Governor of Hong Kong and to his Excellency Admiral Lambton.\nH. P.", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-362 - Public Offices - 1909.txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 422940, "series_id": 27, "series_slug": "histsyn-co129-engine", "series_title": "CO129 Colonial Office Hong Kong Records 理藩院香港檔案", "series_use_hku_proxy": false, "document_key": "CO129-362 - Public Offices - 1909", "page_number": 343, "title": "CO129-362 - Public Offices - 1909", "content_text": "**AFFAIRS OF CHINA**\n\n## CONFIDENTIAL\n\n[25240]\n\n### No. 1\n\n341 \n9354 \n[July 5]\n\n#### SECTION 4\n\nSir J. Jordan to Sir Edward Grey,-(Received July 5)\n\n**(No. 214.)**\nSir,\n\nPeking, June 15, 1909.\n\nWITH reference to my despatch No. 170 of the 8th ultimo, I have the honour to transmit to you herewith copy of a further despatch from the acting consul-general at Canton, describing the present position of the negotiations conducted locally for the settlement of the Pratas question.\n\nIt would appear that the point at issue, which retards the conclusion of an agreement, is one largely of form, since the Japanese Government are ready to recognise China's sovereignty over the atoll, while the Chinese authorities consent to grant compensation to the Japanese owner of the phosphate works by buying him out. There seems reason, therefore, to hope that this minor dispute between the two countries will soon be settled. The Japanese Minister told me in conversation a few days ago that he was also trusting to the Japanese consul at Canton settling the matter, and that he had therefore refrained from making any representations to the Central Government, a proceeding to which he would only have recourse in the last instance, and with great reluctance. He pointed out that, although the Japanese settlers had been established on the atoll for three years, the acts of aggression alleged to have been committed—the expulsion of Chinese fishermen and desecration of graves—had only recently been the subject of complaint, and were probably very much exaggerated.\n\nI have heard from other sources that the permission to establish themselves on the atoll was originally given to the Japanese by the governor of Formosa.\n\nThe accompanying translation of a petition addressed to the Viceroy of the Two Kwang, which has appeared in the \"Peking Daily News\" is enclosed,* as showing the Chinese point of view on this question.\n\nI have, &c.\n\nJ. N. JORDAN.\n\n*Not printed.\n\n[2353 e-4]", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-362 - Public Offices - 1909.txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 422941, "series_id": 27, "series_slug": "histsyn-co129-engine", "series_title": "CO129 Colonial Office Hong Kong Records 理藩院香港檔案", "series_use_hku_proxy": false, "document_key": "CO129-362 - Public Offices - 1909", "page_number": 344, "title": "CO129-362 - Public Offices - 1909", "content_text": "# AFFAIRS OF CHINA\n## CONFIDENTIAL\n\n342\n\n**(No. 180.)**\nSir,\n\n`C.O 19354`\n`[July 15.]`\n`c 2 SEP 09`\n\n### SECTION 1. No. 1.\n\n**Mr. Rumbold to Sir Edward Grey.-(Received July 15.)**\nTokyo, June 28, 1909.\n\nWITH reference to previous correspondence ending with your despatch No. 53 of the 10th April last, and to Sir John Jordan's despatch No. 214, regarding the Atoll of Pratas, I have the honour to report that the following telegram which had been received by the Foreign Office at Tokyo appeared in the \"Japan Mail\" of the 24th instant :--\n\n\"On the 22nd instant the Viceroy of Kwangtung officially informed Mr. Consul Segawa (the Japanese consul at Canton) that he agreed to the appointment of a joint valuation commission by the two countries, and that he had appointed Mr. Wei Han, of the Foreign Affairs Bureau, to be commissioner on the Chinese side. A Japanese commissioner will therefore be appointed at once.\"\n\nI have forwarded a copy of this despatch to His Majesty's Minister at Peking.\n\nI have, &c.\n\n**HORACE RUMBOLD**\n\n`[26744]`\n`[2353 p-1]`", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-362 - Public Offices - 1909.txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 423720, "series_id": 27, "series_slug": "histsyn-co129-engine", "series_title": "CO129 Colonial Office Hong Kong Records 理藩院香港檔案", "series_use_hku_proxy": false, "document_key": "CO129-363 - Public Offices & Others - 1909", "page_number": 324, "title": "CO129-363 - Public Offices & Others - 1909", "content_text": "whether they are joining that it should communicate with the new W/T Station proposed to be created by the E. Ext. Tel. Co. & the Marconi W/T Co. ref to in Cables Com's Report case saz 127, in which matter will be referred to Cable Com. to consider on whether the question of extending the conditions to be applied to License to be reported to \"Your word replying to be Communication with ships\" which in Aug.1571 \n\nIn any further communication on this subject, please quote No. 145 215 and address \nThe Under-Secretary of State, Foreign Office, London.\n\nWe have \nA&t 17/1 \n\n41383 323 WW 23 DEC 09.\n\nThe Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs presents his compliments to the Under-Secretary of State for Colonies and, by direction of the Secretary of State, transmits herewith copy of the under-mentioned paper.\n\nForeign Office, December 22nd 1909.\n\n310. \n| Reference to previous letter | Name and Date | Description of Inclosure | Subject |\n| --- | --- | --- | --- |\n| 23743 70. July 15th | Sir I Jordan Peking November 26th | 3C Ture 19og | Wireless Telegraph Station on Atoll of Pratas |\n\n(Similar letter sent to...", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-363 - Public Offices & Others - 1909.txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 428211, "series_id": 27, "series_slug": "histsyn-co129-engine", "series_title": "CO129 Colonial Office Hong Kong Records 理藩院香港檔案", "series_use_hku_proxy": false, "document_key": "CO129-371 - Public Offices - 1910", "page_number": 136, "title": "CO129-371 - Public Offices - 1910", "content_text": "In any further communica-\n\ntion on this subject, please quote\n\nNo.                             2846\n\nand address-\n\nThe Under-Secretary of State,\n\nForeign Office,\n\nLondon\n\nΟ\n\nCO 134/3215\n\nBro 31 JAN 10\n\nThe Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs presents\n\nhis compliments to the Under-Secretary of State for the\n\nColonies\n\nand, by direction of the Secretary of State,\n\ntransmits herewith copy of the under-mentioned paper.\n\nForeign Office,\n\nJanuary 31st 1910\n\nReference to previous letter:\n\nF.O. December 22nd [19]09 41383\n\nDescription of Inclosure.\n\nName and Date.\n\nSir J. Jordan\n\nPeking January 4th 1910\n\nSubject.\n\nWireless Telegraphy on\n\nAtoll of Pratas.\n\n(12)\n\n(Similar letter sent to Admiralty.\n\nFeb ...)", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-371 - Public Offices - 1910.txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 428212, "series_id": 27, "series_slug": "histsyn-co129-engine", "series_title": "CO129 Colonial Office Hong Kong Records 理藩院香港檔案", "series_use_hku_proxy": false, "document_key": "CO129-371 - Public Offices - 1910", "page_number": 137, "title": "CO129-371 - Public Offices - 1910", "content_text": "Cory.\n\nNo. 8.\n\n(2876).\n\nSir:-\n\nWai Wu Pu\n\nDec. 30th, 1909.\n\n3215\n\n135\n\nRe\n\nBre 31 JAN 10\n\nPEKING,\n\nJanuary 7th, 1910.\n\nWith reference to my despatch No. 435 of November 26th last, I have the honour to transmit to you herewith copy of a note from the Wai Wu Pu stating that it has been decided to send five students to Hong Kong to be instructed there in the duties which they will perform on the Atoll of Pratas.\n\nI am sending a copy of this note to the Governor of Hong Kong with a request that he may be informed of the arrangements made for the reception of these students, for communication to the Chinese Government.\n\nI have &c.,\n\nThe Right Honourable,\n\n(Signed)\n\nSir Edward Grey, Bart., M.P.,\n\n&c.,\n\n&c.,\n\n&c.\n\nJ. N. Jordan.\n\nFeb.", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-371 - Public Offices - 1910.txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 478288, "series_id": 27, "series_slug": "histsyn-co129-engine", "series_title": "CO129 Colonial Office Hong Kong Records 理藩院香港檔案", "series_use_hku_proxy": false, "document_key": "CO129-451 - Public Offices - 1918", "page_number": 525, "title": "CO129-451 - Public Offices - 1918", "content_text": "## Page 082\n\n1. PATRIMAZING to yi 165er st steab piirsaS VU Crew etne bari vi LAR Tak pinay ban onda gabend sei SVINDALOM wrom dar enew ite! de usol a „atoboď blev F (bado bazegoen : Jile *TA DỤNG : . . T (4) 521 22 į \n\ntied to the tree tops. Cheering crowds of school children lined the railway and at night time processions of farmers bearing lanterns came from distant villages and shouted themselves hoarse. For several hundreds of yards outside towns like Gifu, Ügaki, etc., sheds and shanties were erected where parties picnicked out waiting for the troops to pass. Coming back over the same railway line it really seemed as if some extraordinary transformation had taken place, thus showing that the voice of authority can still make itself heard and obeyed.\n\nTo return to the working girls. Their lot in Japan is not a happy one, but attempts are now continually being made to better it. In a supplementary memorandum I have given a few notes relating to my visit to certain cotton mills, showing that a great improvement has taken place with regard to the conditions under which girls are housed. A glance at this memorandum will prove that in the best mills at any rate girls are well looked after and that comparatively speaking they have not much to complain of, except of course the long hours, and their loss of freedom due to the compound system which still holds good and is very much disliked, thus making the recruiting of operatives more and more difficult. For this reason Japan is now turning to Corea as a source of labour, and many Corean girls as well as men have been imported. The wages they receive are on the same scale as the Japanese although their efficiency is only about 70% at present, chiefly owing to the difficulty in the language question.\n\nThe labour situation is giving the Authorities bad for anxious thought; a Japanese friend of mine, who is a manufacturer in Yokohama informs me that last week all the heads of factories in this district employing over 300 hands were called together at the Prefectural Office and were addressed by Mr. Oka of the Department of Agriculture and Commerce who pointed out to them the dangers connected with labour unrest.", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-451 - Public Offices - 1918.txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 503341, "series_id": 27, "series_slug": "histsyn-co129-engine", "series_title": "CO129 Colonial Office Hong Kong Records 理藩院香港檔案", "series_use_hku_proxy": false, "document_key": "CO129-493 - Governor Sir Clementi - 1926 [6-8]", "page_number": 416, "title": "CO129-493 - Governor Sir Clementi - 1926 [6-8]", "content_text": "413\n\nslode add Insaarqet toruso yrkis de froMTISYO Lijoost of yruud on al al hus(şyed bas qyžimamo) esent:\" yager of belžične sa nodnso al tasserzovoð langiðal edt ,reddam aliò dile gnilaab ni entɗd to elodie art pla edt osingover of busiga begildo svad ow dadi yniosu To jneneIttes [aool a exam (low aðłup nao av «adost owt yrożynoĦ=notasð náð .*.) „diebloei dd05 yall add to traq ♫tiw anoitafer ofmonove wo to somatovos odd joXITJE „ybegani sexaṁ edt bra bra İzni İrsİTOQMİ YTSv a dółw bensì era ev tionenĮ JA\n\n1 owd avoda erit to moldingooaz a'briefgefi neol .midusu nottaitogen deiðits-oniƐ erið to zalnego edi bas atoal z0 friðlzoq add to galbandarabas réguoradit a mort outta wo goed deurs O Tinelbeque yramqued a yierem ji si eza umoldaldoen altıbw pawa noltɔammoo sind at anololqawa Deanenggo seld Farið au Frigund sad prodali 201 .no gnicy stoananyo Tładź to sgatab edð 10 ayarla oʻzawed bluoría BTS #brow moldoa yď bovíos ad pino nao moitssup siɗff facoltos yd bevio's ed of moldasup and si woĦ .usolosu Valged beta antide rol yıasasoan yímo si dİ !ylinas otkup serit art of sredba IIiw podd dadd voda od pllaoldownq Das noitattogen edt twodywould es[qkoaktī LanolðarráðnÏ fasiqłontu sević adó eza taril .gporn ad libw #idd anin isend Jon Jam basis at Jacht zyðilaupi (1) .beterproo et abzawod aevaleď rotolv erit as riddɔ ab-zawod ¿qoba [[he braiyot si dadd pooldaut (S) vý bluow as voltaut to ssiqłoning eman við multoly Tomnialized ad of beiseqqad ode amidoły od bebros01 ¿seomadeworło to synario edź diłw soxabrosos nI (8) to sonetsime edt haelg for bipoda bralymï si Jadi of eff eldame of blo arsey 08 madi erom selfasti „Jlleneď sees of to y‡ilidlamoqası abava Jadi anolitos toɗf yo wode at all:t basĺzn€ 11 venkte no Cetantrag wcft roda ut quia efe\n\nnegotiation, the Chinese are bound to feel suspicions regard- ing two points:-\n\n(1) England intends to continue her policy of \"one step backward, but two steps forward\", which her Imperialists have been accustomed to adopt, and will give some concession in order to secure a settlement of the Canton-Hongkong Strike, the severance of economic relations and the Shakee tragedy, but in other questions she will go further to oppress China.\n\n(2) England will avail herself of the present opportunity afforded by the expedition which Canton is sending to punish Tu (Pei-fu), temporarily to make a settlement of the Canton-Hongkong Strike, the severance of economic relations and the Shakee tragedy, in the hope that in the first place she may divert the people of Kwong Tung from the anti-Wu policy, on which they are concentrating their attention; and in the second place the temporary settlement may enable her to help the reactionaries to take the opportunity to make trouble in the rear of the Revolutionary Army.\n\nAt present the Cantonese are no longer like what they were before. Not only they take constant interest in the politics of the world and the National Revolution in China, but also they have realized how revolution can be accomplished and how emancipation can be secured. There have been many in- stances which will prove this, and the Great Conference held by the Cantonese a few days ago on account of the Sino-British negotiations is the latest proof that has been afforded us. We can say for certain that the Cantonese have been baptized into revolution, and are no longer as they were formerly.\n\nWe are only hoping for one thing, and this is that England will lose no time to show by facts that she will adhere throughout the negotiations to the basic principles mentioned above, viz, Equality, Justice and Accordance with the change of circumstances.", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-493 - Governor Sir Clementi - 1926 [6-8].txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 } ]