[ { "id": 438669, "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": "CO129-391 - Acting Governor Claud Severn Governor Sir May - 1912 [7-8]", "page_number": 468, "title": "CO129-391 - Acting Governor Claud Severn Governor Sir May - 1912 [7-8]", "content_text": "FIDELITY ALL.\n\nHong Kong.\n\n457\n\n609 SEP 12\n\nGovernment House.\n\n30 August 1912.\n\nGov. 26504\n\nSir,\n\nI have the honour to confirm my cypher telegram of the 22 inst., of which a paraphrase is enclosed, and to acknowledge the receipt of your telegram of the 24 instant informing me that you approved the proposals subject to the stipulation that troops employed should deal only.\n\nAdm. 26649\n\nThe purport of your message was communicated to the Commodore and to the Senior Officer Commanding the Troops.\n\n2. Pending your reply to my telegram I arranged with Commodore Anstruther and Colonel St.John to send a Naval and a Military officer to Macao to gain information as to the nature of the approaches by water to the island where my information indicated that the pirates made their headquarters. I gave Lieutenant R.H.Crosse, Royal Artillery, of the General Staff, a letter of introduction to the Acting Governor of Macao. The latter placed every facility in the way of the officers in obtaining the information which was desired and placed a large scale map of the adjacent islands at the disposal of Lieutenant Stainer, Royal Navy.\n\n3. It transpired that the island (Wong Kan) where the pirates are said to be located is territory in dispute between the Portuguese and the Chinese Governments.\n\nThe Right Honourable\n\nLewis Vernon Harcourt, M.P.\n\n&c. &c. &c.", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-391 - Acting Governor Claud Severn Governor Sir May - 1912 [7-8].txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 438785, "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": "CO129-392 - Governor Sir May - 1912 [9-10]", "page_number": 98, "title": "CO129-392 - Governor Sir May - 1912 [9-10]", "content_text": "A \n\nJ \n\nI J \n\n10. 02 \n\naddressed through 1.3...'s Consul General, Canton to the Governor of the Kwangtung Province.\n\nIt is proposed to make the expedition on the night of the 9th instant, and on learning that Your Excellency agrees to the arrangements I will ask Commodore Anstruther to send one of his staff to arrange details with Your Excellency of the co-operation of the Portuguese forces. A naval force to prevent the escape of the pirates to the neighbouring Portuguese territory would be most useful.\n\nI need hardly impress upon Your Excellency the necessity of the most absolute secrecy being maintained as to the proposed expedition. May I suggest that no information of it should reach the Chinese police. The success of the expedition depends upon the pirates being surprised, and I have not permitted any of the Chinese police of this Colony to gain the slightest inkling of the action it is proposed to take. I am informed that the man Pang Kai is himself leagued with the pirates and is not to be trusted.\n\nI take this opportunity of thanking Your Excellency for the very valuable assistance rendered by your Government and by yourself in bringing the perpetrators of the outrage at Cheung Chau to justice, and I am hopeful that if success attends the proposed expedition a nest of pirates will be exterminated to the benefit of peace and good order in your Colony, in the Colony of Hongkong, and in the surrounding Chinese territory.\n\nIn conclusion I would suggest that, to avoid difficulties of legal procedure, any pirates captured in disputed waters or in disputed territory be handed over to the Chinese authorities to deal with.\n\n...The Acting Governor, Macao.\n\nI have, &c.\n\n1. Kay.\n\n91", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-392 - Governor Sir May - 1912 [9-10].txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 439491, "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": "CO129-393 - Governor Sir May - 1912 [11]", "page_number": 407, "title": "CO129-393 - Governor Sir May - 1912 [11]", "content_text": "No 407.\n\nEnclosure.\n\n399\n\n0.0\n\n395\n\n40730\n\nArc 23 DLC 18\n\nGOVERNMENT HOUSE,\n\nHONGKONG. 30th November, 1912.\n\nSir,\n\nI have the honour to forward a copy of a letter addressed to the Harbour Master by the Master of the R. M. S. \"Empress of Japan\" reporting the rescue from drowning of one S. Lenard by Patrick Delaney, a seaman from H. M. S. \"Newcastle\".\n\nCommodore R. H. Anstruther, R.N., concurs with me that Delaney's conduct should be brought to the notice of the Royal Humane Society and I shall be glad if this may be done. I enclose in duplicate the usual form required by the Society together with a copy of a letter with two enclosures from the Master of the R. M. S. \"Empress of Japan\". It has not been possible to identify the sampan referred to.\n\nI have the honour to be,\n\nSir,\n\nYour most obedient,\n\nhumble servant,\n\nEnclosure\n\nTHE RIGHT HONOURABLE\n\nLEWIS HARCOURT, M.P.,\n\n&c.,\n\n&c.,\n\n&c.\n\nGovernor, &c.", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-393 - Governor Sir May - 1912 [11].txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 442980, "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": "CO129-401 - Governor Sir May - 1913 [5-6]", "page_number": 18, "title": "CO129-401 - Governor Sir May - 1913 [5-6]", "content_text": "## \n7. I am further desired by the Commander-in-Chief to observe that the site suggested cannot be defended from an attack from seaward and that from a commercial point of view a loss exposed position would appear to be preferable.\n\n8. Admiralty approval will be necessary before any transfer of the Station or any part of the same can be made.\n\nI have etc.,\n**(Sd.) Robt. H. Anstruther,**\nCommodore.\n\nHis Excellency \nThe Governor, \nHongkong.", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-401 - Governor Sir May - 1913 [5-6].txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 442982, "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": "CO129-401 - Governor Sir May - 1913 [5-6]", "page_number": 20, "title": "CO129-401 - Governor Sir May - 1913 [5-6]", "content_text": "# COPY\n## No. 4\n### 118\n\nSir,\n\nCommodore's Office, \nHongkong, 23rd April, 1913.\n\nIn reply to your letter No. `1400/1910` of the 19th instant, I have the honour to inform Your Excellency that the control of the Wireless Telegraphy Station at Cape D'Aguilar by the Navy on mobilization, which was stated in my letter of the 8th instant to be desired, referred to the control and manning of the Station as a Port War Signal Station as already provided for in the Hongkong Defence scheme; and that although, if the Commercial Wireless Telegraphy Installation were to remain in use, it is considered that the Navy should exercise a general control over it as a part of the Signal Station, the Naval authorities have no desire that it should remain, and therefore would offer no objections to its being dismantled as required by the Military authorities.\n\nI have etc., \n**(Sd.) Robt. H. Anstruther,** \nCommodore.\n\nHis Excellency the Governor, \nHongkong.", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-401 - Governor Sir May - 1913 [5-6].txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 442986, "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": "CO129-401 - Governor Sir May - 1913 [5-6]", "page_number": 24, "title": "CO129-401 - Governor Sir May - 1913 [5-6]", "content_text": "## COPY \nNo. 1\n\nCommodore's Office, \nHongkong, 4th December, [1918]\n\n23 \n17756 \n**REC** of 3rd\n\nSir,\n\nWith reference to Your Excellency's letter of 3rd October, 1911, No. `5083/1911` and previous correspondence, I have the honour to request that I may be informed whether, in view of the terms of Hongkong Ordinance No. `35` of 1912, the Crown Solicitor is now able to undertake Admiralty law work when required.\n\nI have etc.,\n(Sd.) Robt. H. Anstruther, \nCommodore.\n\nHis Excellency the Governor, \nHongkong.", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-401 - Governor Sir May - 1913 [5-6].txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 442987, "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": "CO129-401 - Governor Sir May - 1913 [5-6]", "page_number": 25, "title": "CO129-401 - Governor Sir May - 1913 [5-6]", "content_text": "# No. 2.\n\nNo. 5083/1911.\n\n**Government House, Hongkong, 6th December 1911.**\n\n24\n\nSir,\n\nI have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your letter No. 2142 of the 4th instant in which you enquire whether, in view of the terms of Ordinance No. 35 of 1912, the Crown Solicitor will in future be able to undertake Admiralty Law work when required.\n\n2. It has been represented by Messrs. Dennys and Bowley that their firm has for many years acted for the Naval Authorities, charging the usual professional fees, and they, in common with the Law Society, which is composed of local solicitors, protest strongly against encroachment by this Government upon rights and privileges which, in their opinion, appertain to private practitioners. On the other hand, I believe it to be the case that the reason for the employment of Messrs. Dennys and Bowley by the Naval Authorities lies in the fact that the Crown Solicitor has for many years past been a member of that firm.\n\n3. The extent to which the Crown Solicitor's assistance would be available would depend upon the volume of the work required to be done, and I shall be glad of further information on this point. In view of the protest made by the legal profession, I am inclined to the opinion that ordinary legal work of a non-confidential nature, such as conveyancing, should be given to private practitioners, and that the employment of the Crown Solicitor should be confined to matters of a confidential nature and to any particular cases in which, for special reasons, Admiralty may desire to retain his service. I shall be glad of an expression of your views on the subject.\n\nI have etc.,\n\n(Sd.) F. H. May,\nGovernor, &c.\n\nCommodore R. H. Anstruther, R.N.", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-401 - Governor Sir May - 1913 [5-6].txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 442988, "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": "CO129-401 - Governor Sir May - 1913 [5-6]", "page_number": 26, "title": "CO129-401 - Governor Sir May - 1913 [5-6]", "content_text": "# \n## No. 3.\n\nCommodore's Office, \nHongkong, 30th January, 1918.\n\n17756 \nIR:.. 26 MAY 13 \n25 \nAdmiralty Legal Work..\n\nSir,\n\nI have the honour to acknowledge receipt of Your Excellency's letter of the 6th ultimo respecting the above, and to inform you that this matter has been referred to the Admiralty. Upon receipt of reply a further communication will be made to you.\n\nI have etc.\n\n**(Sd.) Robt. H. Anstruther,** \nCommodore.\n\nHis Excellency the Governor, \nHongkong.", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-401 - Governor Sir May - 1913 [5-6].txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 442989, "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": "CO129-401 - Governor Sir May - 1913 [5-6]", "page_number": 27, "title": "CO129-401 - Governor Sir May - 1913 [5-6]", "content_text": "# Commodore's Office, Hongkong, 24th April, 1913.\n\n7755\n\n**RECEIVED 26 MAY**\n\nWith reference to Your Excellency's letter No. 5083/1911 of 6th December last, relative to the employment of the Crown Solicitor on Admiralty legal work, I have the honour to acquaint you that the Lords of the Admiralty have decided that it would be preferable on the whole that private practitioners should continue to be employed as Admiralty Solicitors generally; and that the advice of the Crown Solicitor shall only be obtained in special cases where for some particular reason it may be considered desirable.\n\nTheir Lordships understand this course to be in general agreement with the views expressed in Your Excellency's letter above quoted, and they are glad to avail themselves of your suggestion that they can retain the service of the Crown Solicitor in such special cases.\n\nI have etc.,\n\n**(Sd.) Robert H. Anstruther, Commodore.**\n\nHis Excellency \nThe Governor, Hongkong.", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-401 - Governor Sir May - 1913 [5-6].txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 444477, "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": "CO129-403 - Governor Sir May Acting Governor Claud Severn - 1913 [8-10]", "page_number": 474, "title": "CO129-403 - Governor Sir May Acting Governor Claud Severn - 1913 [8-10]", "content_text": "# COPY\n\n474\n\n1\n\nC\n\nSir,\n\nGovernment House, Hongkong, 20th October, 1913\n\nI have the honour to inform you that the Secretary to Commodore R. H. Anstruther yesterday sent to my Aide-de-Camp the cards of Rear-Admiral P. Y. Lin, Captain T.K.Tong and Captain H.K. Tu. Captain Tong is commanding the Chinese Cruiser \"Hai Chi\" in which Rear-Admiral Lin is hoisting his flag, while Captain Tu is commanding the \"Hai Yung\".\n\n2. It appears that these two ships anchored in the waters of the Colony in Kowloon Bay on Thursday the 16th of October and that Rear-Admiral Lin went to Canton on Friday morning and returned at noon on Saturday. He exchanged official visits with the Commodore later in the day and the \"Hai Chi\" sailed in the evening.\n\n3. Rear-Admiral Lin asked the Commodore to present his compliments to me and expressed his regrets that time did not admit of his calling as he had to go on to Foochow.\n\n4. I consider that Rear-Admiral Lin should have found an opportunity of calling on me although I do not know the urgency of the service he had to perform at Foochow. I could have received him at the shortest notice and would have returned his call immediately. In the present circumstances of the recognition by His Majesty's Government of the Chinese Republic his omission to call is especially regrettable, and I should be obliged if you would bring it to the notice of the Chinese Government.\n\nI have etc.,\n\nBeilby Alston, Esq., C.B., M.V.O., H. B. M.'s Chargé d'Affaires, Peking.\n\n(88.) **Claud Severn**, Officer Administering the Government.", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-403 - Governor Sir May Acting Governor Claud Severn - 1913 [8-10].txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 444700, "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": "CO129-404 - Acting Governor Claud Severn - 1913 [10-12]", "page_number": 212, "title": "CO129-404 - Acting Governor Claud Severn - 1913 [10-12]", "content_text": "# No 415.\n\nG. 27 DEC 1913\n\n**GOVERNMENT HOUSE. HONGKONG. 5th December, 1913.**\n\nSir,\n\nI have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your Despatch No. 327 of the 24th October transmitting a copy of a letter from the Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty in which they suggest that the site in Canton Road at Kowloon at present rented for the storage of coal on a monthly tenancy should be made over to them for the purpose of oil fuel storage.\n\n2. The question of utilizing this land for the storage of oil fuel was raised by Commodore C. J. Eyres in April, 1912. I enclose a copy of his letter, and of the letter which I caused to be sent in reply. Site A is the site now in question. Subsequently I visited the site with the Commodore and the Director of Public Works and I enclose copies of letters which passed as a result of our conference from which you will observe that the idea of disturbing the wall of the Naval Coaling Depot to the West of Canton Road was abandoned, and it was decided to effect the widening of Canton Road by taking a strip about ten feet wide off Site A.\n\n3. On the 19th September, 1912, Commodore Anstruther enquired whether the premium of one dollar per square foot represented the price at which this Government would be prepared to alienate the site for commercial purposes, that is the minimum upset price if it were put up to public auction, and he was\n\nTHE RIGHT HONOURABLE \nLEWIS HARCOURT, M.P., \n&c., \n&c., \n&c.", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-404 - Acting Governor Claud Severn - 1913 [10-12].txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 444781, "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": "CO129-404 - Acting Governor Claud Severn - 1913 [10-12]", "page_number": 293, "title": "CO129-404 - Acting Governor Claud Severn - 1913 [10-12]", "content_text": "# \nExcellency \nCopy. \n288 \nC.O \n17258 \nGovernment House, Hong Kong, \n10th April 13 \n## MAY 13 \nSir, \n\nI have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of Your Excellency's letter of the 8th instant and to thank you for the information therein contained concerning the patrols carried out by the ships under your command. \n\nI am very much obliged for the assistance you kindly offer in making arrangements for an occasional patrol in the open waters between Hong Kong, Wai-chow (Wangmin) and Macao (Manao). \n\nI am taking steps to diminish the danger from piracies by pirates who embark as passengers. But, I think it will be a deterrent if persons who may contemplate such acts of violence are aware that they may, while in the act of seizing a ship or while carrying her out of her proper course, be interfered with by one of His Majesty's Ships. \n\nI have instructed the Captain Superintendent of Police to furnish to the Secretary of Commodore Anstruther a time table of the sailings of passenger steamers for Canton, Macao and the West River. Alterations in the time table will be notified from time to time. \n\nVio-Admiral T.H.M.Jerram, C.R., \nH.M.S. \"Minotaur\". \n\nI have, \netc... \nSd.- \n**F.H.May**, \nGovernor, \n`800`.", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-404 - Acting Governor Claud Severn - 1913 [10-12].txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 447821, "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": "CO129-411 - Governor Sir May - 1914 [5-7]", "page_number": 39, "title": "CO129-411 - Governor Sir May - 1914 [5-7]", "content_text": "NO CONFIDENTIAL.\n\n19603\n\nRAGE 29 MAY 14\n\n37\n\nGOVERNMENT HOUSE.\n\nHONGKONG. 9th May, 1914.\n\n8869\n\nWith reference to my Despatch No. 147 of the 2nd instant in which I reported the recent piracy of the S.S. \"Tai On\", I have the honour to inform you that immediately after the piracy I consulted with Commodore Anstruther as to what steps could be taken to give better protection by His Majesty's Ships to vessels trading from this Colony to the West River while in Chinese waters between the boundaries of the Colony and Wang Min where the patrol by His Majesty's Ships of the West River begins. Commodore Anstruther very kindly arranged as a temporary measure to keep a Torpedo Boat constantly on patrol in those waters during the hours (about 9 to 11 p.m.) when the West River Steamers are passing through it on their outward journey. But Torpedo Boats are not suitable for the purpose for they draw too much water to pursue a steamer if taken off her course by pirates outside the navigation channel; they are too small to be out in rough weather; and their complement of seamen is only 4, a very small force to overcome armed resistance. He said that what was wanted was another shallow draft gunboat of the \"Moorhen\" or \"Sandpiper\" type and I agree with him.\n\n2.\n\nI realised that correspondence concerning such an addition might involve much loss of time and I said that for my part I should be prepared to recommend to you that the cost of building\n\nTHE RIGHT HONOURABLE\n\nLEWIS HARCOURT, M.P.,\n\n&c.,\n\n&c.,\n\n&c.", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-411 - Governor Sir May - 1914 [5-7].txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 447824, "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": "CO129-411 - Governor Sir May - 1914 [5-7]", "page_number": 42, "title": "CO129-411 - Governor Sir May - 1914 [5-7]", "content_text": "Page 6\n\n2074/1914.\n\nSir,\n\nREC 29 MAY 14 19603 REG 29 MAY 14\n\nGovernment House, 20 Wong King. 9th May, 1914.\n\n2.\n\nWith reference to my confidential letter of the 4th instant, I have the honour to inform you that I have ascertained that the Unofficial Members of the Executive and Legislative Councils are not prepared to vote the necessary funds for the construction and presentation to the Naval Authorities of a shallow draft gunboat for the suppression of piracy in Chinese waters in the vicinity of Hongkong. I regret, therefore, that I am unable to recommend to the Secretary of State for the Colonies that this expenditure should be incurred out of Colonial Funds.\n\nI am of opinion, in which from conversation with you I believe you concur, that an additional shallow draft gunboat of the type employed in the West River is urgently needed for patrolling the estuary of the Pearl River which four steamers and four large Hongkong licensed Junks, trading to and from this Colony have been pirated during the last 13 months. I attach a list of these piracies. This Government has already taken steps by increase of the Police engaged in searching for arms on persons embarking on River steamers, and by special legislation which is about to be made more stringent, and will do its utmost to co-operate in the prevention of piracy on vessels leaving this port. Trading Junks, however, do not carry passengers and these were pirated by attacks from without by piratical boats. It is evident, therefore, that additional ...\n\nCommodore R. H. Anstruther, R.N., C. in C.", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-411 - Governor Sir May - 1914 [5-7].txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 447828, "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": "CO129-411 - Governor Sir May - 1914 [5-7]", "page_number": 46, "title": "CO129-411 - Governor Sir May - 1914 [5-7]", "content_text": "to transmit the enclosed copy to deep from the for reporting.\n\nthe piracy committed on\n\nthe Ss. Tai On\n\nN\n\n3. Ihm for states that Commodore Anstruther arranged, as a\n\ntemporary measure to afford constant patrol in those waters during the hours (about\n\n9 pm to 4:30 am or 471 pm.) when the river steamers are passing\n\nthe onward journey; but he points out that torpedo boats are not suitable for the purpose as they draw too much\n\nwater to pursue a steamer if taken outside the navigation channel. Further, they\n\nare too small to withstand rough weather & their small complement is insufficient to\n\ncope with armed piracy at any time.\n\n4. The Earl, in conversation with whom Mr. Anstruther understands\n\nthe Commodore to concur, presses for the provision of\n\nan additional shallow-draught launch\n\nof the \"Moorhen Sandpiper\" type for patrol purposes. It is, in Lord May's\n\nopinion, unless larger than the existing craft to ...", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-411 - Governor Sir May - 1914 [5-7].txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 448259, "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": "CO129-411 - Governor Sir May - 1914 [5-7]", "page_number": 478, "title": "CO129-411 - Governor Sir May - 1914 [5-7]", "content_text": "Page 472\n\n3/8/14/1\n\nGOVERNMENT HOUSE,\nHONGKONG. 9th July, 1914.\n\nSir,\n\nI have the honour to inform you that on the 28th of April the Head of the Sanitary Department forwarded to the Colonial Secretary a complaint from the Conservancy Contractor complaining of demands of blackmail by robber gangs in the Shun Tak District in the Kwangtung Province where the soil brought from Hongkong is disposed of; and the firing on his junks after he had refused to pay more than the annual toll of $3,000 which has been paid for years for the safe conduct of the Conservancy Junks.\n\n2. After considerable correspondence through His Majesty's Consul-General at Canton, which did not result in effective measures being taken by the Chinese Authorities, I addressed a letter, copy enclosed, to the Commodore asking that a gunboat might be sent to the district. On receipt of Commodore Anstruther's reply, copy of which is also enclosed, I sent Mr. Tratman to Canton and I now attach copy of his report of his visit to the district in question in H.M.S. \"Moorhen\".\n\nI have the honour to be,\nSir,\nYour most obedient,\nhumble servant,\n\nTHE RIGHT HONOURABLE\nLEWIS HARCOURT,\nM.P.,\n\n80-1\n\n&c.\n\nGovernor, &c.\n\nPage 473", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-411 - Governor Sir May - 1914 [5-7].txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 448260, "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": "CO129-411 - Governor Sir May - 1914 [5-7]", "page_number": 479, "title": "CO129-411 - Governor Sir May - 1914 [5-7]", "content_text": "No.3061/1914.\n\nSir,\n\nC.\n\n473\n\n27977 RECY\n\nDisclosure i\n\nGo Kem\n\nHongkong, 16th June, 1914.\n\nI have the honour to inform you that pirate gangs in the Shun Tak District have committed a series of outrages on junks working under contract with the Sanitary Department of the Colony, and the arrangements of the Department have been in consequence so seriously dislocated that I have no alternative but to appeal to the Naval Authorities for assistance.\n\n2. Certain conservancy contractors are employed by the Sanitary Department to remove the refuse of the City, these contractors convey the material in junks to depots in Wang Lin (probably Tang Li in the Admiralty chart) in Shun Tak. The contractors have apparently been in the habit of paying tolls to a local pirate gang for permission for their junks to voyage unmolested. The tolls hitherto amounted to $3,000 annually. Recently, however, numerous other pirate gangs have sprung up en route and their demands became so exorbitant that the contractors could not comply with them. The junks were in consequence seized and held to ransom.\n\n3. Vigorous protests were made by this Government to the Chinese Authorities, and after some delay a Chinese Gunboat was on two occasions despatched to the scene, and some of the captured junks were at length released. No attempt was made to clear out the pirate strongholds along the route and the released junks were unable to proceed back to Hongkong for fear of the pirates who were so incensed by the action of the contractors that they now threaten to destroy the junks on the next occasion and kill the crew. In the meantime a large force of so-called \"Pirate-Resisting Troops\" who are stationed in the ...\n\nCommodore R. H. Anstruther, R.N., C.M.G.", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-411 - Governor Sir May - 1914 [5-7].txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 448262, "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": "CO129-411 - Governor Sir May - 1914 [5-7]", "page_number": 481, "title": "CO129-411 - Governor Sir May - 1914 [5-7]", "content_text": "475\n\nEnclosure Z\n\nTamar at Hongkong, 18th June, 1914.\n\nWith reference to Your Excellency's letter No.3061/1914 dated 16th June, 1914, relative to outrages by pirates gangs on junks in the Shun Tak district, I have the honour to inform Your Excellency that the locality in question is frequently visited by His Majesty's Gunboat and perhaps the junk-masters could be directed to appeal to their Commanding Officers if possible in future occasions so that immediate action might be taken. A similar case occurred recently in regard to junks conveying bricks for building a mission at Fatshan and prompt action by H.M.S. \"Sandpiper\" had a beneficial effect.\n\n2.\n\nI have ordered H.M.S. \"Moorhen\" to Canton to consult with His Britannic Majesty's Consul-General and embark Mr. Tratman before proceeding to the spot to remonstrate and take such further action as may be necessary. I request that Mr. Tratman may therefore join \"Moorhen\" at Canton on the morning of the 20th June accompanied by the junkmaster.\n\nI have, etc.\n\nRobt. H. Anstruther\n\nCommodore.\n\nHis Excellency\n\nSir F. H. May, K.C.M.G.,\n\nGovernor of Hongkong.\n\nPage 476\n\nSN7\n\nEaw boitit obi ad blues datðe otvor no blodgnorte etstiq vino to ono bus GRMİSYŤ, TV .26talogo 7083 87181 & eтodw, is set Jsodnih 62d yneqmoodɛ of bunaqang of Blow enotna-Yaut ant to moldeutła tosxo adt gatutstresas at rebusumod out Jelaes bus .beпIGO:00 ɛsiți[moо£ ®:‡ No.08.\n\n.038 over: I .H .T .ba .0%, \"10 movOD\n\nşd.", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-411 - Governor Sir May - 1914 [5-7].txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 448354, "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": "CO129-412 - Governor Sir May - 1914 [7-8]", "page_number": 59, "title": "CO129-412 - Governor Sir May - 1914 [7-8]", "content_text": "No 259\n\nC.O\n\n54\n\n31771\n\nGOVERNMENT HOUSE.\n\nHONGKONG. 17th July, 1914.\n\nAdmis 25263\n\n3\n\n73\n\nWith reference to Mr. Severn's despatch No.415 of the 5th of December, 1913, I have the honour to inform you that the Naval Authorities appear to have abandoned the scheme of establishing oil tanks in Canton Road, Kowloon, and have approached the Military Authorities on the subject of the transfer of War Department land at North Point for the storage of oil. It is proposed, I understand, to give access to the sea from this land by means of a pier.\n\n2.\n\nI had a conversation with the Commodore and Major-General Kelly on this subject on the 9th instant when I pointed out that in accordance with Mr. Chamberlain's despatch No.288 of the 7th August, 1903, any such transfer of land must be made through the Colonial Government; and that the foreshore and seabed in front of the War Department land at North Point is Crown land and must be separately dealt with between the Colonial Government and the Admiralty.\n\n3.\n\nIn a letter, copy enclosed, which I addressed to Major-General Kelly and which has likewise been communicated to Commodore Anstruther, I pointed out that the projection of a pier from the foreshore would interfere with a comprehensive scheme of reclamation along the foreshore.\n\n4.\n\nI have other applications for part of the same foreshore and seabed for industrial purposes. I should be glad\n\nTHE RIGHT HONOURABLE\n\nLEWIS HARCOURT,\n\nM.P.\n\n&c.\n\n800-1\n\n800.\n\ntherefore", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-412 - Governor Sir May - 1914 [7-8].txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 448638, "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": "CO129-412 - Governor Sir May - 1914 [7-8]", "page_number": 344, "title": "CO129-412 - Governor Sir May - 1914 [7-8]", "content_text": "H\n\nFL\n\n+\n\nEnnet\n\n5.\n\n334\n\nAt this time Commodore Anstruther asked me to take possession of all steam coal in the Colony for the use of His Majesty's Ships. I ascertained through the Harbour Master that there was a quantity of about 5,000 tons of such coal as the Commodore required in the possession of a private firm. I obtained the option of purchasing this coal and it was subsequently bought by the Naval Authorities.\n\n6.\n\nOn the 31st of July I received your message of the 30th ultimo, and I ordered preparations for the institution of the Examination Service. On the 2nd of August I received your telegram instructing me to institute the Examination Service, and on the same day I received your instructions to call out the Semmel Naval Reserves. Action in both cases was taken on the 2nd of August but it was not possible to publish the Notification, copy enclosed, concerning the Examination Service, or the Proclamation, Enclosure No.4, calling out the Naval Reserve until Monday the 3rd of August. I enclose copy of the Traffic Regulations.\n\nIn accordance with your telegram of 2nd instant, I issued a Notification, Enclosure No.5, of the suspension of Telegraph and Radio-telegraph Services throughout the Empire except under certain conditions.\n\nCensorship was accordingly established at the offices of the Eastern Extension and Great Northern Telegraphs in which, as you are aware, is situated the office of the Chinese Telegraph Administration.\n\nIt was found necessary, since messages en clair were permitted, to appoint 20 Assistant Censors under the Censor, with 4 Chinese Masters from Queen's College for reading Chinese telegrams. In the absence of the Director of Education on leave, Mr. T. K. Dealy, Headmaster of Queen's College, was appointed Censor.\n\nAll detained telegrams are submitted to the General Staff Officer for final decision as to whether they should", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-412 - Governor Sir May - 1914 [7-8].txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 449034, "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": "CO129-413 - Governor Sir May - 1914 [8-10]", "page_number": 283, "title": "CO129-413 - Governor Sir May - 1914 [8-10]", "content_text": "SECRET.\n\nSir,\n\n41530/5\n\n74\n\n281\n\nPRINTED\n\nUSE\n\nNTED FOR\n\nMISCELLS.\n\nNo. 31/\n\nCOLONIAL OFFICE\n\nGOVERNMENT HOUSE.\n\nHONGKONG. 14th September, 1914.\n\nIn continuation of my secret despatch of the 26th August, I have the honour to transmit the enclosed paraphrases and translations of cypher and code telegrams received from you and despatched by me to you in connection with the Anglo-German War.\n\n2.\n\nThe instructions conveyed in your cypher telegrams of the 26th and 31st August were communicated to the proper authorities. On receipt of the latter telegram I took the opportunity of enquiring directly of Commodore Anstruther if there had been any cases of detention of ships at Hongkong. I enclose a copy of his reply. I am also informed by the Harbour Master that the shipping trade of the port is being conducted without interruption and under practically normal conditions.\n\nWith reference to your code telegram of the 2nd September no restriction has since the beginning of the war been placed on supplies of steam coal to merchant ships.\n\n3.\n\nWith reference to my cypher telegram of the 22nd August, I enclose a copy of a letter dated the 29th August which I received from the General Officer Commanding embodying an instruction from the Secretary of State for War to examine all mails passing through Hongkong to or from Austria-Hungary or Germany. Accordingly I authorised the Postmaster General to open and examine the closed mails referred to.\n\n4.\n\nI am addressing you in a separate despatch on the subject of your code telegram of the 27th of August on the subject\n\nThe Right Honourable\n\nLEWIS HARCOURT, M.P.\n\n&c.", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-413 - Governor Sir May - 1914 [8-10].txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 449064, "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": "CO129-413 - Governor Sir May - 1914 [8-10]", "page_number": 313, "title": "CO129-413 - Governor Sir May - 1914 [8-10]", "content_text": "Page 311\n\n\"TAMAR\" at Hongkong,\n\n3rd September, 1914.\n\nSir,\n\nIn reply to Your Excellency's letter No.3249/1914 dated 2nd September, 1914, I have the honour to inform you that as far as the Royal Navy is concerned at Hongkong there is no foundation for the allegation that merchant shipping has been detained. Since war broke out no ships have been recommended to stop at Hongkong, and as far as I am aware trade has gone on as usual. I would, however, point out that the Naval Authorities can only give advice and owners and masters are entirely responsible for sending their ships to sea or keeping them in port. I have every reason to believe that no ships have been detained and that no complaints on this point have been made from Hongkong.\n\nI have, etc.\n\nSd.\n\nR. H. ANSTRUTHER\n\nCommodore.\n\nHis Excellency\n\nSir F. H. May, K.C.M.G.,\n\nGovernor of Hongkong.\n\nEnclosure 3.\n\nPage 311\n\n \n(No text here, as it is likely a repetition of the page number at the bottom of the page)\n\n \nThe response is already in HTML format using `` tags for paragraphs. I corrected spelling errors (e.g., \"redaredgeƐ\" was not in the main text, \"laval\" to \"Naval\", \"Juil nike ojico\" was not in the main text, etc.), fixed spacing issues, and reordered some text to form coherent sentences. I also removed the initial garbled text that seemed to be OCR errors not part of the main document. The original text's structure and content were preserved as much as possible, with corrections made only where necessary.", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-413 - Governor Sir May - 1914 [8-10].txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 449206, "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": "CO129-413 - Governor Sir May - 1914 [8-10]", "page_number": 455, "title": "CO129-413 - Governor Sir May - 1914 [8-10]", "content_text": "Page 453\n\nCommodore's Office,\n\nRongkong.\n\n7th October, 1914,\n\nI have the honour to forward to Your Excellency the enclosed papers which His Excellency the General Officer Commanding forwarded for my remarks. I am in full accord with the General's letter. I consider that these men constitute a menace in a Colony like Hongkong and I think they should be made Prisoners of War.\n\n2.\n\nI feel very strongly that men who have sworn solemnly to serve Germany, and Germany alone and above all else on earth, are unlikely to be deterred from keeping that oath, if the opportunity occurs, by any undertaking they may have given to us since, especially when the conditions imposed upon them suit their personal convenience and leave them in a position to do what they have sworn to do.\n\nI was not previously aware that there were so many men liable to serve the enemy, at large in this Colony.\n\nI have the honour to be,\n\nSir,\n\nYour Excellency's obedient Servant,\n\nSd. Robert H. Anstruther\n\nCommodore.\n\nHis Excellency\n\nSir F.B.May, K.C.M.G.,\n\nGovernor and Commander-in-Chief,\n\nHONGKONG\n\nPage 453", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-413 - Governor Sir May - 1914 [8-10].txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 449395, "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": "CO129-414 - Governor Sir May - 1914 [10-11]", "page_number": 77, "title": "CO129-414 - Governor Sir May - 1914 [10-11]", "content_text": "SECRET.\n\nHONGKONG.\n\nGOVERNMENT HOUSE.\n\n29th October, 1914.\n\nIn continuation of my secret despatch of the 27th October on the subject of the Wireless Stations in the Philippine Islands, I have the honour to transmit for your information the enclosed copy of a letter from Commodore Instruther.\n\nI have the honour to be,\n\nSir,\n\nYour most obedient humble servant,\n\nGovernor, &c.\n\nThe Right Honourable\n\nLewis Vernon Harcourt, M.P.,\n\nSecretary of State for the Colonies,\n\nLONDON.", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-414 - Governor Sir May - 1914 [10-11].txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 449396, "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": "CO129-414 - Governor Sir May - 1914 [10-11]", "page_number": 78, "title": "CO129-414 - Governor Sir May - 1914 [10-11]", "content_text": "Commodore's Office,\n\nHongkong, 28th October, 1914.\n\n75\n\nSir,\n\nI have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of Your Excellency's letter dated 27th October, 1914, relative to the Wireless Stations in the Philippine Islands.\n\nAs regards the signal made 'en clair' by Fort Windt to Olangapo, this was intercepted by one of H.M. Ships off Manila and the protest to the American Government was made by His Britannic Majesty's Consul-General at Manila on representations made by the Senior British Naval Officer.\n\nNo further instance of the movements of H.M. Ships being divulged through this source has been reported up to the present.\n\nI have, etc.\n\nSd.\n\nRobt. H. Anstruther\n\nCommodore.\n\nHis Excellency\n\nSir F. H. May, K.C.M.G.,\n\nGovernor and Commander-in-Chief,\n\nHongkong.", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-414 - Governor Sir May - 1914 [10-11].txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 449562, "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": "CO129-414 - Governor Sir May - 1914 [10-11]", "page_number": 244, "title": "CO129-414 - Governor Sir May - 1914 [10-11]", "content_text": "List of Correspondence.\n\n240\n\n1. Letter from H.E. the Governor to Commodore Anstruther dated 2nd October, 1914, and enclosure.\n\n2. Letter from Commodore Anstruther to H.E. the Governor dated 3rd October, 1914.\n\n3. Letter from H.E. the Governor to H.M.Consul-General, Manila, dated 8th October, 1914.\n\n4.\n\n5.\n\n6.\n\n7. Letter from H.M.Consul-General, Manila, to H.E. the Governor dated 15th October, 1914, and enclosures.\n\nLetter from H.M.Consul-General, Manila, to H.E. the Governor dated 22nd October, 1914.\n\nLetter from H.E. the Governor to H.M.Consul-General for U.S.A., Hongkong, dated 5th November, 1914, & enclosures.\n\nLetter from H.E. the Governor to Commodore Anstruther dated 5th November, 1914.\n\n8. Letter from Secretary, Chamber of Commerce, to Colonial Secretary, dated 28th October 1914", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-414 - Governor Sir May - 1914 [10-11].txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 449563, "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": "CO129-414 - Governor Sir May - 1914 [10-11]", "page_number": 245, "title": "CO129-414 - Governor Sir May - 1914 [10-11]", "content_text": "Confidential.\n\nGovernment House,\n\nHongkong, 2nd October, 1914.\n\n1.241\n\nSir,\n\nI have the honour to transmit the enclosed\n\ncopy of a note of a conversation which I had with the Consul-General for the United States this morning and to enquire whether you have any complaints of the nature indicated therein which you wish to state to me. If you have\n\nI propose to send them to the Secretary of State for the\n\nColonies unless you have already made them to the Admiralty\n\nor desire so to make them.\n\nI have, etc.\n\nF. H. MAY\n\nGovernor, &c.\n\nCommodore R. H. Anstruther, R.N., C.M.G.\n\nHongkong.", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-414 - Governor Sir May - 1914 [10-11].txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 449565, "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": "CO129-414 - Governor Sir May - 1914 [10-11]", "page_number": 247, "title": "CO129-414 - Governor Sir May - 1914 [10-11]", "content_text": "Commodore's Office,\n\nHongkong 3rd October, 1914.\n\nIn reply to Your Excellency's letter of 2nd October, relative to German Merchant vessels leaving Manila with coal for the German Squadron in the Far East, there is not the slightest doubt in my mind that they have done so during the war and are still trying to do so, nor do I think that any impartial person can have any doubt on this point. A strict watch on Manila has been rendered necessary by the number of vessels laden with coal and provisions waiting an opportunity to sail.\n\n2. German Possessions in the Far East have virtually ceased to exist and it is unlikely that the vessels in Manila wish to carry coal to neutral ports such as Bangkok, which is the ostensible destination of some of them, nor are they vessels of the collier class.\n\nAlthough Mr. Harrison may be correct in his opinion that the strict letter of neutrality has been observed because there may be no actual proof of the ultimate destination of the coal, it seems to me that the neutrality of the Philippine Government is of a benevolent nature in respect to Germany.\n\nI have, etc.\n\nSd.\n\nRobt. H. Anstruther\n\nCommodore.\n\nHis Excellency\n\nSir F. H. May, K.C.M.G.,\n\nGovernor of Hongkong.", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-414 - Governor Sir May - 1914 [10-11].txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 449585, "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": "CO129-414 - Governor Sir May - 1914 [10-11]", "page_number": 267, "title": "CO129-414 - Governor Sir May - 1914 [10-11]", "content_text": "Page 14\n\n3297/1914.\n\n14.\n\nWith reference to your Confidential letter of the 3rd ultimo, I have now the honour to transmit for your information copy of correspondence with His Britannic Majesty's Consul-General at Manila concerning the export of coal from that port since the outbreak of war, together with copy of a letter which I have addressed to the Consul-General for the United States of America.\n\nI have sent a copy of the correspondence to the Secretary of State for the Colonies.\n\nI have informed the Consul-General that the \"Rio Posiz\" is the only capture.\n\nSir,\n\n5th November, 1914.\n\nI have the honour to be, Sir,\n\nYour most obedient servant,\n\nJ. H. May\n\nGovernor, &c.,\n\nCommodore R. H. Anstruther, H.N., O.S.C.,\n\nHongkong.\n\nPage 87", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-414 - Governor Sir May - 1914 [10-11].txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 453398, "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": "CO129-421 - Governor Sir May - 1915 [3-4]", "page_number": 184, "title": "CO129-421 - Governor Sir May - 1915 [3-4]", "content_text": "# CONFIDENTIAL.\n\n**C.O.** \n20681 \n**FILE** 3 MAY 15 \n180 \n\n## GOVERNMENT HOUSE, HONGKONG. 25th March, 1915.\n\nSir,\n\n19489/46 \n\nWith reference to my Confidential Despatch of the 2nd December on the subject of the detention of certain German prisoners of war, I have the honour to transmit a copy of a letter in which the Consul-General for the United States of America applied for the release of a Captain Buhrmann.\n\n2.\n\nThis case came under my notice shortly after the commencement of hostilities in August last. Buhrmann was employed as a pilot in the Canton River steamer trade, and after careful consideration of the case he was not allowed to leave the Colony, but was not detained as a prisoner of war. When, however, in October the German residents were all either interned prisoners of war or expelled, Buhrmann was detained as a Prisoner of War owing to his possible usefulness to the enemy as a pilot.\n\n3.\n\nI have consulted the General Officer Commanding and the Admiral Commanding in Chief and they both consider that his release is inadvisable. I enclose a copy of a letter from Commodore Anstruther in which he gives his reasons for arriving at the same opinion. According to a statement made by Mrs. Buhrmann at Shanghai, her husband will be fifty years of age on the 15th May.\n\nI have the honour to be, \nSir, \nYour most obedient, humble servant, \n**Maymes?** is replaced with **MES...** is not suitable here, a more plausible correction is **Maynard** or the actual name of the Governor at that time.\n\nThe actual Governor at that time was Sir Francis Henry May, so: \n**Francis Henry May** \nGovernor, &c...\n\n## THE RIGHT HONOURABLE \n**LEWIS HARCOURT, M.P.**, \n&c., \n&c...", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-421 - Governor Sir May - 1915 [3-4].txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 453402, "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": "CO129-421 - Governor Sir May - 1915 [3-4]", "page_number": 188, "title": "CO129-421 - Governor Sir May - 1915 [3-4]", "content_text": "# Commodore's Office, Hongkong, 7th January, 1916\n\n## Enclosure 2\n\n**COPY**\n\nSir,\n\nWith reference to Your Excellency's letter No. `3314/1914` dated 31st December, 1914, addressed to His Excellency the General Officer Commanding, relative to Pilot Buhrmann, prisoner of war, I have the honour to inform Your Excellency that the correspondence has been passed to me and I have submitted it to the Naval Commander-in-Chief.\n\nIn this connection I would remark that the Admiralty direct \"all able-bodied men liable to Military service between the ages of 18 and 50 to be removed from neutral vessels\". There seems no guarantee that Buhrmann will not attempt to return to Germany or engage in hostile acts in the neighbourhood of Hongkong, for which his former employment renders him specially suitable, so that I consider that his release is inadvisable.\n\nI have etc.,\n\n(sd.) **Robt. H. Anstruther**, \nCommodore.\n\nHis Excellency \nSir F. H. May, K.C.M.G., \nGovernor and Commander-in-Chief, \nHongkong.\n\n(2)", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-421 - Governor Sir May - 1915 [3-4].txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 454379, "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": "CO129-422 - Governor Sir May - 1915 [5-6]", "page_number": 593, "title": "CO129-422 - Governor Sir May - 1915 [5-6]", "content_text": "## 1\n\n7.33. \n\n586 \n\nStation and the Telegraph Company's Offices, at a cost of some £850.\n\n4. \n\nThe local Naval Authorities however consider it advisable that the Telegraph Company should lay and maintain their own connections; and they further propose that arrangements should be made with the China and Japan Telephone and Electric Company with regard to telephonic communication. I enclose copies of correspondence addressed to me by Commodore Anstruther on the subject.\n\n5. \n\nThis Government, as stated in my telegram, does not at present require any telegraphic or telephonic communication for its own purposes.\n\n6. \n\nI take this opportunity to acknowledge the receipt of your telegram of the 8th May, which reads as follows:- \n**Your telegram of 19th April**; await Admiralty letter D5356 addressed to Commodore April 27 before taking action further re telegraph line.\n\n121207, Several \n\nI enclose a copy of the Admiralty letter `D5356`.\n\nI have the honour to be, \nSir, \nYour most obedient, \nhumble servant, \nAhmad \nGovernor, &c....", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-422 - Governor Sir May - 1915 [5-6].txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 454382, "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": "CO129-422 - Governor Sir May - 1915 [5-6]", "page_number": 596, "title": "CO129-422 - Governor Sir May - 1915 [5-6]", "content_text": "## \n77.\n\nkoro_nok \n\nSDAY' HOLE' INTO\" \n\n: \n\n.06 .01 \n\n712 \n\nundul sad to mitol e* pm¡sori moY gt sömneter dukr \n\nde noitact.T.W přieninha, et eritalen „ARN$84,ok „AII „Domi -re jaloo ai di dad woy wro?nd of worori erið svad I jetojjimenojƐ -İn aminaque) digergeist wild 18 prodanimitat esam od blow #1 by- #teddusenojë dite nežinoti meo oliyatgaled me riadó bentade -yoilidianoquot bobivih bleva bloow ažɗT violtatë .T.V basλΠod mind Ilkw noktasƐ aids sooniknuð við neitagokbacco stal jmkilağ ed bluoda yard suit soyuerit at 21 voliaqueɔ dqɛɛgələT edi da noidovanou obnymizeist adź akatsikas fra Laznick of beragang \n\n„deno ame stent \n\nhot gal-mana and Jaelaga sytario yow to trova edê ni $ að oð lei, số bấươm I besoyơng galed neidseinen dingetjefst dope ad ayını dəws blvocê pokretrola? »*qislabzad zient no? barreîni bilom ma¿?boridua Lavalt add do kriv en aðkkvegre art went torsorg gilt neartaŭ onil myanıyafet a zukakatalmu bim znl·llatunk net wool -9ng you yʻlambaka, add eraztunenetƐ kam sol110 e'yanyue) á ̧ærge Is T trezzed od „zerować! „kluar si Jonti ads aletalam has yel of mo?» mafed trioilte jalutadniem bus gażyłęgum not ytilkøkenequen aÁT \n\nBi \n\ndi að bluʊo maitat? UT „V wit et ge táját moštno lor amo nådgery\" Jalataya two simić to drag sa saliaqnot dge:zelet and on \n\n.ε \n\ni decoyotų suonit në vivonoo panelisuri we¥ 11 Ilmiş seinequod deeggeist sit dëlw engi‡ektogon odd dadd bodeNZEN \n\nBQ \n\n....D.IO.X yali T8 JY 718 \n\n589 \n\nbe conducted directly from my office. I am not in favour of the \nMilitary Cables being used in this connection. \n\nI have etc., \n\n**(sd.) Rob. H. Anstruther,** \n**Commodore**", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-422 - Governor Sir May - 1915 [5-6].txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 454385, "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": "CO129-422 - Governor Sir May - 1915 [5-6]", "page_number": 599, "title": "CO129-422 - Governor Sir May - 1915 [5-6]", "content_text": "# \n592 \n\nThere are similar facilities to the General Public.\n\nTo levy a subscription and not stand to hinder the work? Like some position, students like some analysis, some people bar, money is well net vicksalon. Like some people, some position, some analysis, some people bar, money is well net vicksalon.\n\n## \n\n4. There is an existing Military line on Stone-cutters Island connected with the mainland and Hongkong, and the Military Authorities are being requested to fit a telephone from their system into the Wireless Telegraph Station. This could be used as an alternative route in case of the breakdown of the Naval Line. The provision of the independent and direct Naval line is considered essential for reliability and efficiency.\n\n5. Arrangements will be made to use the metallic cores of the two cables referred to in paragraph 1 for ordinary communication, but in the event of the breakdown of any one cable, a likely contingency due to the large number of Chinese junks anchoring in the vicinity, the core of the remaining cable will be used with the armouring as a return circuit.\n\n6. Admiralty approval for the foregoing is requested.\n\n## Submission to Admiralty.\n\nNo. 80.\n\nII\n\n**(sd.) E. T. Williams, Electrical Engineer.** \n18.2.15.\n\nSubmitted observing that I concur in these proposals.\n\n**(sd.) Rob. H. Anstruther, Commodore.** \n21 February, 1915.", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-422 - Governor Sir May - 1915 [5-6].txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 454847, "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": "CO129-423 - Governor Sir May - 1915 [7-8]", "page_number": 240, "title": "CO129-423 - Governor Sir May - 1915 [7-8]", "content_text": "## \n\n237 subscribed with that generosity which characterises the population of this Colony. Already a sum of £173,300 has been collected by the Committee of the Tung Wa Hospital from Chinese and Europeans in the Colony and from Chinese abroad, and does not include a sum of $30,000 which I have permitted to be devoted to this fund from the balance of $259,000 standing to the credit of funds contributed by the Peking Government for the relief of the 1906 Typhoon. I have also permitted $30,000 to be taken from the balance of £68,000 remaining over from last year's Flood Relief Fund. The remainder is earmarked for the building of a protecting sluice gate in the district which was under the particular care of the Hongkong Relief Committee. I have also placed the Lighthouse Tender \"Stanley\" and a Police patrol launch at the disposal of the Committee of the Tung Wa Hospital for the distribution of relief in the West River and Commodore Anstruther has also lent 2 launches from the Examination Service for relief in Canton.\n\n6. The distribution of relief funds by the Committee of the Tung Wa Hospital is under the supervision of Mr. S. B. C. Ross, Acting Secretary for Chinese Affairs, and Mr. A. E. ... Food has also been lent to assist in supervising distribution of relief along the West River.\n\n7. The American Gunboat \"Callao\" which was at Canton at the time of the flood has done excellent service in assisting in the distribution of relief. The American cruiser \"Wilmington\" proceeded from here to Canton and has also rendered invaluable assistance, while the Standard Oil Company has been of great help in lending its West River launches for relief work.\n\nI have the honour to be, \nSir, \nYour most obedient, humble servant, \n**Ama** \nGovernor, &c.\n\nPage 240 \nPage 241", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-423 - Governor Sir May - 1915 [7-8].txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 454972, "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": "CO129-423 - Governor Sir May - 1915 [7-8]", "page_number": 365, "title": "CO129-423 - Governor Sir May - 1915 [7-8]", "content_text": "**CONFIDENTIAL**\n\nSir,\n\nReg of 14 Sept 15 \n361 \n\nGOVERNMENT HOUSE, \nHONGKONG. 3rd August, 1915.\n\nYou \n\nIn the remarks which I made on the occasion of Major-General Kelly taking leave of the Legislative Council and as reported in my Despatch No. 266 of the 27th July, I was glad to avail myself of the opportunity of testifying publicly to the cordial co-operation which has existed between the Colonial Government and the Naval Authorities in this Colony since the outbreak of war. These remarks, I have reason to believe, gave much satisfaction to the public, especially in shipping circles, which has been quick to appreciate not only the considerate manner in which the necessarily stringent and irksome examination of all shipping using the port has been carried out, but the services rendered in the prosecution of the war by the Commander-in-Chief and Commodore R. H. Anstruther upon whom, during the absence at sea and later at Singapore of the Vice-Admiral, the work at and in the vicinity of Hongkong devolved.\n\n2.\n\nThus the speedy fitting out of H.M.S. \"Triumph\" in this port and her subsequent fine performance at Tsingtao were an object lesson to the public here of Naval efficiency; while the blockade carried out by Commodore Anstruther's orders of 19 of the German Admiral's colliers and supply ships in Manila from the 4th September onwards was a successful piece of strategy which contributed largely to the immunity from attack enjoyed \n\nTHE RIGHT HONOURABLE \nANDREW BONAR LAW, M.P., \n&c. \n&c. \n&c.", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-423 - Governor Sir May - 1915 [7-8].txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 462324, "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": "CO129-434 - Governor Sir May - 1916 [7-8]", "page_number": 113, "title": "CO129-434 - Governor Sir May - 1916 [7-8]", "content_text": "**CONFIDENTIAL** is not present, so the text will be proofread as is.\n\n# \n## \n\nf `(40401/116/COPY/REC)`\n\n## Enclosure\nREG 25 AUG 1916!\n\nSir,\n\nGovernment House, \nHongkong, 5th March, 1914.\n\nI have the honour to inform you that I have now had an opportunity of considering the proposals put forward in your letter of the 19th November last for an exchange of lands in connection with the proposed Praya East Reclamation Scheme.\n\n2.\n\nI am unable to agree to your proposal that the whole of the area coloured blue on the plan which accompanied your letter under reply be granted in exchange for the yellow area, but I am prepared to agree to the eastern boundary of the area coloured green on the plan which accompanied Mr. Severn's letter of the 12th September last being readjusted as shown on the plan now enclosed. By making this readjustment, the objection taken in paragraph 2 (a) of your letter that a portion of the area to be surrendered by the Colonial Government is water area is removed and the green area becomes about per centum greater than the yellow area.\n\n3.\n\nI would point out that one of the buildings in the yellow area, shown as Nos. 15, 16 and 17 stores, abuts on two sides upon public roads, while another, shown as Nos. 11, 12, and 13 stores, abuts on one side upon a public road. On the plan which accompanied your letter under reply, the two buildings to replace these are shown to have a considerable amount of space round them on all sides, which it appears unreasonable to ask.\n\nCommodore \nR. H. Anstruther, R.N., C.M.G.", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-434 - Governor Sir May - 1916 [7-8].txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 462326, "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": "CO129-434 - Governor Sir May - 1916 [7-8]", "page_number": 115, "title": "CO129-434 - Governor Sir May - 1916 [7-8]", "content_text": "# No. D. 368.\n\nSir,\n\n## Enclosure 2.\n\n**Commodore's Office, Hongkong, 26th March, 1915.**\n\nWith reference to my letter of 5th October, 1914, concerning the alterations proposed to the Naval Ordnance Depot, Arsenal Yard, by the Colonial Government in connection with the Reclamation on the East Praya.\n\n2\\. The matter has been referred to the Admiralty and I am instructed to inform Your Excellency that their Lordships are prepared to agree to the exchange of property shown on the plan (`No. 5197/1911`) that accompanied your letter of 5th March, 1914, on the conditions contained in the correspondence that has already taken place, provided that the Colonial Government will bear the cost of filling in the camber behind the new wall to be constructed, and removing the existing old Timber Pier, and also will give the Admiralty first refusal of the reclamation plots marked \"I\" on the accompanying plan, with water frontages and roads thereto.\n\n3\\. On receipt of your concurrence with the above there will be no objection to the work of preparation of the necessary scheme of works, etc., involved by the exchange of property being proceeded with. It is essential that the new accommodation for the Naval Ordnance Depot, Arsenal Yard, be provided before the existing accommodation is demolished under the requirements of the reclamation scheme.\n\nI have, etc.,\n\nHis Excellency The Governor, HỒNG KÔ N G.\n\n(SD.) **R.H.Anstruther, Commodore.**", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-434 - Governor Sir May - 1916 [7-8].txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 462328, "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": "CO129-434 - Governor Sir May - 1916 [7-8]", "page_number": 117, "title": "CO129-434 - Governor Sir May - 1916 [7-8]", "content_text": "# No. D-264.\n\n## Commodore's Office, Hongkong, 23rd March, 1916.\n\nSir,\n\nWith reference to paragraph 2 of Your Excellency's letter, No. 5197/1911 of 20th March 1916, I shall be very much obliged if you would inform me what the terms and conditions of purchasing the Lots in question under the Crown Lands Resumption Ordinance would be.\n\n2. I should be glad to know approximately the amount of money which would be involved in the acquisition, by the Admiralty on the terms you mention, of either the two, four, or six lots marked on the plan which accompanied my previous letter.\n\n3. On the receipt of your reply, I will immediately refer the whole matter to the Admiralty for their instructions.\n\nI have, etc.,\n**(SD.) R. H. Anstruther, Rear Admiral.**\n\nHis Excellency \nThe Governor, \nHongkong. \nEnclosure 4. \nX900 \nCOPY \nPage 108 \n... \nPage 114 \n... \n`XCR(85)72` is not present in the original text, hence not included. \n\nThe original text has been proofread and formatted according to the given instructions. The garbled text at the beginning has been omitted as it does not form coherent content. The letter has been reformatted with proper Markdown headers and the signature has been bolded. The addressee information at the end has been kept as is, assuming it's part of the original document.", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-434 - Governor Sir May - 1916 [7-8].txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 492117, "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": "CO129-475 - Governor Sir Stubbs & Acting Governor Claud Severn - 1922 [5-7]", "page_number": 47, "title": "CO129-475 - Governor Sir Stubbs & Acting Governor Claud Severn - 1922 [5-7]", "content_text": "March 25th, 1922.]\n\nPEAK CLUB. Mrs. Bevington and Mrs. Sayer lost all their matches and scored 12 games.\n\nMrs. Grimble and Mrs. N. L. Smith won one and lost three, scoring 18 games. Total: 30 games.\n\nGOLF.\n\nLADIES SECTION.\n\nThe results of recent competitions are as follow:-\n\nELECTIC COMPETITIONS.\n\nHappy Valley. Won by Mrs. Moore\n\nDeep Water Bay. Won by Mrs. Oliver\n\nFanling Relief Course. 41-3=38; 33-6=27; Won by Mrs. Crawford... 96-3=93\n\nTHE DENIS CUP.\n\nWon by Mrs. Adams with the score of 92 nett.\n\nFANLING AND ITS CADDIES.\n\nThose members of the Royal Hongkong Golf Club who went to Fanling last weekend were surprised to find that no caddies offered themselves for employment. Some time ago some of the parents of those boys approached the management of the Club and complained of the high wages the boys were able to earn as caddies. It was thought that the boys had become unmanageable at home owing to the fact that they were able to earn more than their parents, who worked in the fields. This presumption is evidently true to-day, when the boys can afford to stay away when it pleases them from earning easily made money. As will be seen from our advertising columns, the Committee have taken the only course open to them, and members are forbidden to engage local caddies at Fanling until further notice. Private caddies are still doing their duty but as boys at this time may offer themselves for engagement as caddies it is laid down that no new private caddies should be engaged meantime.\n\nMembers are requested to use the course as much as possible—carrying one's own clubs is no great hardship. Private servants or caddies may be brought from Hongkong. The Superintendent has instructions to see that the above rules are strictly enforced.\n\nBILLIARDS.\n\nLuz, 500; Kwok, 474.\n\nCHINA OVERLAND TRADE REPORT\n\nTHE LAW COURTS\n\nCRIMINAL SESSIONS.\n\nYAUMATI PAWNSHOP ROBBERY.\n\nA great deal of valuable jewellery was displayed in Court on March 20th, when Li Cheung and Ho Yee were indicted, before Mr. Justice Gompertz, for robbery, with an alternative charge of receiving.\n\nMr. A. Dyer Ball prosecuted for the Crown and Mr. Chou, instructed by Mr. F. X. d'Almada, defended Ho Yee. Both prisoners pleaded not guilty.\n\nThe following were empanelled as a jury:- Messrs. E. C. Bell, A. A. Bolton, W. H. B. Muskett, F. A. S. Loureiro, E. Grossman and G. A. E. Musitano.\n\nMr. Dyer Ball said that this was a pawnshop robbery of a somewhat important and serious nature. The robbery was said to have taken place at night, on February 13th, from the Yau Tai pawnshop at 280, Shanghai Street, Yaumati.\n\nIn describing the incidents of the night, Mr. Dyer Ball said the Crown was of opinion that a newly engaged assistant in the pawnshop—Lai Nam Po—was in league with the robbers, admitted them to the premises and was the only one not bound up. The assistant entertained three nocturnal visitors to tea and cigarettes; they suddenly produced revolvers, intimidated the coolies, kept them under guard all night and, with others of the gang who arrived later, went systematically through the valuables in the place and made a big haul. The prisoners were found afterwards in possession of a great quantity of jewellery, identified as having come from the pawnshop. The new assistant could not now be found or he would be in the dock too.\n\nEvidence was then called.\n\nEach prisoner was sentenced to seven years' imprisonment with hard labour and ordered to receive twelve strokes of the cat.\n\nASSAULT AND ROBBERY. Three men who assaulted a boatwoman in order to rob her (and who had a narrow escape at the time from lynch law at the hands of a mob) were sentenced to three years' imprisonment with hard labour and ten strokes of the cat.\n\nMAGISTRACY.\n\nMOTORISTS' RIGHT TO PASS.\n\nMr. H. A. Lammert, who brought a summons about a year ago on the subject of obstruction by slow-driving motorists on the road to Repulse Bay, had a similar complaint to make in the Police Court, on Mar. 21st, with regard to Castle Peak Road. Last time the defendant was a well-known police official; this time it was a Chinese chauffeur. The charge was \"obstructing the roadway.\"\n\nTraffic Inspector Garrod said that on the Castle Peak Road, on Sunday evening, March 12th, the driver of car No. 432 was overtaken by Mr. H. A. Lammert in car No. 391 who alleged that he repeatedly asked, by the usual method of sounding the horn, to pass the defendant's car, which was going along at a very slow pace. The defendant ignored his request and went along at this slow pace for a considerable time.\n\nMr. H. A. Lammert, in evidence, said that when he overtook the defendant's car it was about 100 yards behind another car. He gave three \"toots,\" which was the usual signal for permission to pass. The defendant immediately increased his speed, but still kept to the centre of the road. A man sitting beside the driver turned round to look at him; witness could perceive this through the glass pane at the back of the hood, which was up. On two or three occasions the other car drew ahead of him, and, thinking he had a chance, he sounded the horn. On occasion, the defendant speeded up to the other car, but never gave a chance to pass. In Nathan Road, as the road was wide, he was able to pass.\n\nIn reply to the Magistrate, Mr. Lammert added that his speedometer was out of order, but, reckoning by the time, which was 40 minutes for the nine-and-half miles, he thought the speed he was forced to keep at was between fifteen and twenty miles an hour.\n\nA fine of $10 was imposed.\n\nWHITE-CLOUD MOUNTAIN MURDER CASE.\n\nMURDERER SENTENCED TO 12 YEARS IMPRISONMENT.\n\nThe Canton Times reports that in the final hearing of the Local Court, on March 19th, Chen Bing-sing (Chairman of the Seamen's Guild in Hongkong at the beginning of the recent strike), who murdered his wife at the foot of the White-cloud Mountain about one month ago, was sentenced to imprisonment for a period of twelve years. He was also ordered by the judge to pay $1,300 as compensation to the court policeman, whom he wounded when he was arrested in the Yet Wah Hotel.\n\nChen declares that he will appeal to the Higher Court.\n\nTHE FALKLAND VICTORY.\n\nAIDED BY HONGKONG NAVAL ACTIVITIES.\n\nVice-Admiral Anstruther, who was Commodore in Hongkong during the war, is claiming recognition from the Admiralty for the service he rendered at Hongkong which, he claims, brought about the annihilation of Von Spee's Squadron.\n\n\"I am in a position to know how Von Spee was foiled,\" says Vice-Admiral Anstruther, quoted in the China Express and Telegraph. \"I was in command of the British Naval Forces at Hongkong when the war broke out. My business was to look after the British Naval defences in the Far Eastern waters and to protect the trade routes between Hongkong and Singapore. I say that we, at Hongkong, stopped von Spee's supplies, and thus caused delay and prevented his achieving the object he had in view. All his supplies were at Manila, which was then a neutral port.\n\n\"We sent ships down to prevent the nineteen steamers there getting out. We showed the flag outside that port, and they never did get out. The result was that when Von Spee got to the Marquesas Islands he found himself short of supplies. He was delayed something like four or five weeks before he could get fresh supplies. He had to arrange this by wireless, and he had to get those supplies on the coast of California.\n\n\"The consequence was that he met Cradock on the west coast of South America instead of on the east, where he expected him. If von Spee had got there even 24 hours earlier, Sturdee would have been too late. I say, therefore, it is rather a poor compliment to say that Lord Fisher lured von Spee to the Falkland Islands merely to destroy him in revenge for Coronel. I think that my command at Hongkong did very real service in stopping von Spee's supplies. I have made representations to the Admiralty claiming recognition for that service.\"\n\nSPEEDY AIR AND WATER CRAFT.\n\nThe Daily Mail reports the introduction into French Colonies of powerful river transport machines embodying the features of watercraft and aeroplanes, which have proved most successful. The craft is known as Hydroglisseurs. They have a flat hydroplane hull and are propelled on the surface of rivers at the speed of an express train by means of propellers exactly similar to those of an aeroplane. Cochin China Hydroglisseur reduced what takes some days' journey ordinarily to nine hours. On the Niger a thousand mile journey was accomplished at the average speed of 36 miles an hour.", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-475 - Governor Sir Stubbs & Acting Governor Claud Severn - 1922 [5-7].txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 } ]