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squeezer-general of the Chinese Government to take up residence in our midst." His presence would only further undermine British control.
Underlying the relations of foreigners with the resident population was this basic unease. The masses might at any time become restless, create trouble, break out into riots.
The opinion prevailed that such troubles were more likely to come from external than internal influences. Hence, the presence of a representative of China was most undesirable and dangerous to the peace and security of the Colony.
To clinch his arguments regarding the dangers of external influence on the residents, Sir Richard recalled the desperate plight that the European population found itself in when "in the last war with China, nearly all residents and servants left in 24 hours, so that European residents had to clean their boots and cook their dinners themselves."
Who would have the audacity to suggest a policy that might expose foreigners to such menial labour? The thought of the re-occurrence of such a situation was intolerable.
No wonder the Governor was most unhappy with the British Minister in China for suggesting that Britain approve a measure which might open the way for Chinese pressure on the Hongkong population.
The suggestion was also a blow at British honour and prestige. Was it Sir Rutherford's intention, the Governor asked, to limit the Hongkong Government to make representation to the Chinese Government through a resident Chinese consul rather than, as had been the practice, through a British consul at Canton?
If so, he saw the move as “a humiliation in the eyes of the Chinese, which seems more injurious than beneficial to British interests."
Only harm would result. On behalf of Hongkong, the Governor
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squeezer-general of the Chinese Government to take up residence in our midst." His presence would only further undermine British control.
Underlying the relations of foreigners with the resident popula- tion was this basic unease. The masses might at any time become restless, create trouble, break out into riots.
The opinion prevailed that such troubles were more likely to come from external than internal influences. Hence, the presence of a representative of China was most undesirable and dangerous to the peace and security of the Colony.
To clinch his arguments regarding the dangers of external influ- ence on the residents, Sir Richard recalled the desperate plight that the European population found itself in when "in the last war with China, nearly all residents and servants left in 24 hours, so that European residents had to clean their boots and cook their dinners themselves."
Who would have the audacity to suggest a policy that might expose foreigners to such menial labour. The thought of the re- occurrence of such a situation was intolerable.
No wonder the Governor was most unhappy with the British Minister in China for suggesting that Britain approve a measure which might open the way for Chinese pressure on the Hongkong population.
The suggestion was also a blow at British honour and prestige. Was it Sir Rutherford's intention, the Governor asked, to limit the Hongkong Government to make representation to the Chinese Government through a resident Chinese consul rather than, as had been the practice, through a British consul at Canton?
If so, he saw the move as “a humiliation in the eyes of the Chinese, which seems more injurious than beneficial to British interests."
Only harm would result. On behalf of Hongkong, the Governor
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