173
The concluding words of the telegram were: "I presume there is no objection." This suggested the view the Home Government wished the Governor to take on the appointment.
In response, Governor Des Voeux requested the Colonial Office to refer to the despatch Governor MacDonnell had sent on the subject in 1868. This expressed his own opinion on the matter. Governor MacDonnell's views, of course, had been strongly against a Chinese consul in Hongkong.
Governor Des Voeux consulted his Executive Council and the Chief Justice for their opinions.
At that time the Council was composed only of Government officials. Therefore the views of the merchants were not directly represented. The fact that they had no voice in privy discussions and decisions caused the merchants to ask for the appointment of unofficial members to the Council. The first unofficial was not appointed until 1895.
The Governor instructed the Registrar General to ascertain the views of the leading Chinese. He reported that they were strongly opposed. In addition they were quite satisfied with the protection their interests received from the Registrar General.
Whatever may have been the real opinion of the Chinese, the Registrar General would hardly have reported that they were dissatisfied with his services as mediator between the Chinese and the Government.
In the opinion of the Registrar General, a consul would become a centre of intrigue. This would make difficult the Government's efforts to manage its relations with the Chinese community and would shake the confidence of the Chinese in British rule.
The Registrar General also informed the Governor that if a consul were appointed, “much of my time which is spent looking after Chinese affairs would have to be spent in watching the Chinese consul and protecting Chinese against the machinations of the officer."
173
The concluding words of the telegram were: "I presume there is no objection." This suggested the view the Home Government wished the Governor to take on the appointment.
In response, Governor Des Voeux requested the Colonial Of- fice to refer to the despatch Governor MacDonnell had sent on the subject in 1868. This expressed his own opinion on the matter. Governor MacDonnell's views, of course, had been strongly against a Chinese consul in Hongkong.
Governor Des Voeux consulted his Executive Council and the Chief Justice for their opinions.
At that time the Council was composed only of Government officials. Therefore the views of the merchants were not directly represented. The fact that they had no voice in privy discussions and decisions caused the merchants to ask for the appointment of unofficial members to the Council. The first unofficial was not appointed until 1895.
The Governor instructed the Registrar General to ascertain the views of the leading Chinese. He reported that they were strongly opposed. In addition they were quite satisfied with the protection their interests received from the Registrar General.
Whatever may have been the real opinion of the Chinese, the Registrar General would hardly have reported that they were dis- satisfied with his services as mediator between the Chinese and the Government.
In the opinion of the Registrar General, a consul would become a centre of intrigue. This would make difficult the Government's efforts to manage its relations.with the Chinese community and would shake the confidence of the Chinese in British rule.
The Registrar General also informed the Governor that if a consul were appointed, “much of my time which is spent looking after Chinese affairs would have to be spent in watching the Chi- nese consul and protecting Chinese against the machinations of the officer."
:
No comments yet.
Private notes are available after approval.