Sessional_Paper_1887-1888 — Page 302

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(8)

(15.)

(Sir John Walsham to Governor.)

[Extract from Confidential Despatch.]

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PEKING, May 22nd, 1888.

I have now the honour to transmit to you a copy of a communication which I received yesterday from Sir ROBERT HART Con- taining the conditions on which the Chinese Government have authorized the construction of a Light-house on the Gap.

The plan adopted by the Chinese Government, which differs somewhat from the three proposals of the Hongkong Government but may be regarded as a com- bination of the first and third, the essential points in both being retained, will be formally laid before Your Excellency by Mr. Commissioner MORGAN, the Repre- sentative of the Inspector-General at the Kowloon Custom House.

As, however, it may be of interest to you to know as soon as possible the result of the steps taken by Sir ROBERT HART, with a view to facilitate a speedy and satisfactory arrangement, I lose no time in acquainting Your Excellency with the decision of the Chinese Government, which I trust will be found to constitute an acceptable solution of this long pending question.

His Excellency

THE GOVERNOR OF HONGKONG,

&C.,

&c.,

&c.

(16.)

I have &c.,

JOHN WALSHAM.

Sir ROBERT HART,

May 21.

C.S.O. 976 of 88.

11th June, 88.

£8.0. 976 of 88.

29th June, 88.

No. 187.

MY LORD,

(Governor to Secretary of State.)

GOVERNMENT HOUSE. HONGKONG, 7th July, 1888.

Referring to former correspondence on the subject of the proposed Light-house at Gap Rock, I have the honour to forward for Your Lordship's consideration some further communications, telegraphic and otherwise, which have passed be- tween Sir JOHN WALSHAM, Her Majesty's Minister at Pekin, and myself,

2. I also forward copy of a letter which has been received from Mr. MORGAN, Deputy Commissioner of Chinese Customs at (Chinese) Kowloon, together with the reply which I have caused to be addressed to him, after consultation with the Executive Council.

3. The arrangement which I have accepted, subject to the sanction of Her Majesty's Government is shortly this :-

The construction and maintenance of the Light-house to be under the control of the Hongkong Government, acting in concert with the Kowloon Com- missioner of Chinese Customs.

Kowloon Customs to contribute the (almost nominal) sums of 7,500 Dollars towards construction, and 750 Dollars per annum towards maintenance. The Hongkong Government providing the remainder of the cost of both. The Gap Rock to remain within Chinese dominion, open as before to visits from Chinese territorial Officials; and the Light-house to be subject to the inspection of Officials of Chinese Customs.

If Hongkong is ever required by China to discontinue maintenance of the Light, the Kowloon Customs to provide for maintenance and continued exhibition of Light.