674155-1884-Government-Notification-No-339 — Page 2

GAZETI

762 THE HONGKONG GOVT GAZETTE EXTRAORDINARY, 15TH SEPT., 1884.

I would suggest for Sir GEORGE BOWEN'S consideration that it might be well if His Excellency would direct a Notification to be issued recommending British Vessels approaching the Bogue, to hoist their Ensign at the fore top-gallant mast head to enable their Nationality to be the more readily made

out.

The Honourable W. H. MARSH. C.M.G.,

Colonial Secretary,

HONGKONTE

I have, &c.,

(Signed)

H. F. HANCE,

Acting Consul.

(Copy)

Enclosure 1.

[Translation.}

Acting Governor-General Chang, to H. M. Acting Consel.

10th day of September, 1884.

21st day of 7th moon, 10th year K-S.

SUGGESTS FLAG FOR SHIPS WITH NATIONALITY IN CHINESE.

SIR,--The French have commenced military operations. All the sea-ports are now jealously guarded. Vessels of friendly powers will be allowed as hitherto to ply so that trade may be kept up. Now although each nation has a special Flag for its Ships to sail under, it is to be feared that the Chinese Soldiers and people, and the Vessels of War at Sea, may not all know (the Flags) and Inay find it difficult to distinguish. I have therefore decided to ask you that in future Vessels of War and Merchant Ships coming here, shall fly in addition to their National Flag, another Flag on which shall be inscribed in large Chinese characters the nationality of the Vessel. It is then to be hoped that the distinction being made safety may be secured.

As in duty bound I now write to ask you to notify the Ships. In this proposition I am wholly actuated by a desire to protect foreign shipping; but whether you will have this additional Flag carried or not is a matter for you to decide.

(Copy)

Translated by (Signed)

R. W. MANSFIELD.

Enclosure 2.

I have, &c..

H. M. Acting Consul, to Governor-General Chang.

12th day of September, 1884.

SUGGESTED FLAG FOR SHIPS COMING IN.

I have the honour to acknowledge receipt of your Excellency's Despatch, suggesting that in future all Vessels, both Man-of-war and Merchant, should fly, in addition to their National Flag, a Flag bearing the name of their nation in large Chinese characters, so that the Vessel might be at once recognised; and asking me to notify Ships to that effect.

I have given your suggestion mature consideration and recognize with great pleasure your excellent intention, for which I feel deeply grateful. I would remark that the carrying of an additional Flag with Chinese characters is a matter which would, I believe, require the sanction of the Admiralty. A few days since your Excellency sent a request that the coming of British Men-of-war to Canton might be notified before-hand through me to the Chinese Authorities, and in accordance with that request I asked the Commodore at Hongkong that this suggestion should be complied with.

As regards Merchant Ships, I have endeavoured to carry out your Excellency's idea of rendering identification easy, by notifying them that when coming here they should fly the British Ensign at their Mast-head so as to be easily seen. This I think will be preferable to the plan proposed by you.

I have, &c.,

(Signed,)

H. F. HANCE,

Acting Consul,

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