1937-12-22 — Page 25

THE HONGKONG

TELEGRAPH. WEDNESDAY,

DECEMBER 22, 1987.

RADIO

MAN WHO CHOSE HONGKONG

AS BRITISH COLONY WAS SAILOR OF FORESIGHT

By T. Paul Gregory

CAPTAIN CHARLES ELLIOT, R.N.

The most far-sighted man of Hongkong's early history was per haps its first colonial administrator-Captain Charles Elliot, R.N. He was not only an official of unusual foresight but also a man of fixed deter- mination and tenacity of purpose-a policy which whilst unpopular with many of his generation is nevertheless applauded by posterity; for it was largely due to his ceaseless efforts that envoys of Her Majesty's Gov- ernment finally achieved the right to appear on terms of equality before the Dragon Throne. Moreover, due to the fundamental steps of his diplomatic policy, China herself reluctantly withdrew from her age-old seclusion and entered into the comity of nations.

#PERSONALITIES OF

OLD HONGKONG

There is another factor of Captain Elliot's career which is of especial interest to residents of Hongkong, and that is the great part he played in securing our incomparable island as a British Colony in the Far East. It may appear surprising to many people that the choice of Hongkong was by no means a unanimous one. In fact, most Britons, of a century since, were firmly convinced that the only worth while place for a EuropeaLT Colony was the island of Chusan which was described as "a great rendezvous of native junks, and is but a short distance from Sing- po, the principal emporium of trade for Chekiang Province.”

Hongkong, on the other hand, they perhaps the most harassed referred to as simply "a fetid broile the whole of foreign settlement, as ing bog." whilst they affurest to be feit if incumbent upon himself to¦ Clusin in the most glowing terms look after the trade affairs of all stating that it was a spot "best with thrce places, the must productive soil; its matemal resources abundant, the inhabitants orderly and well disposed, the town

well-built,

mast salubrious

obvious these Englishmen

that

particularly climate the

China" "How all

and

of

advantages,” day were wont to Jament, could

12021 in

Tis one week he was in Canton, the next at Whampoa and the third

absent from his office from the "fac- tory" site at Canton, that his con- temporaries In the

foreign settle- ment alleged that "if any one wanted have been overlooked by our diplo-one would probably find him either to mault with blan (Captain Elliot) matists appears enigmatical; or why the arid, fetid, brailing spot, Hong-ling long the river in the little brig Lotse, else at Whampon or kung, should have been ixed upon at Lintin, inferring that when he (except for its contiguity to Canton) was needed at Canton, he was never as a British Colony, niust remalu ak riddle to be explained by the negotia to be found. tors of the treaty,

LIBERAL LEADER URGES BRITISH

ACTION

(Continued from Page 7.)

would be willing to make sucrifices to meet German wishes if they could be assured that this meant a genuine and lasting peace In Europe, none of them would yield n scrap of territory Just to keep the Nazt kettle belling.

Hegemony Japan's Aim

Japan depended for her vital re-

Give him something

BROADCAST he would choose himself from

London: Music Hall With

Bennett & Williams

LOCAL STUDIO ITEMS

His

Radio Programine Brondenst by Sir Arthur Salter (Lob.) declared | Z.D.W. on Wavelengths of 355 metres that Japan was siming, not only for (045 .c.'s), 31.40 metres (1.52 m.c.'s). the domination of Chinu, but a 4.0-7,0 Chinese Programme. begemony of the East to the complete

7.0 Dance Music. exclusion of the West. He admitted Fox-Trois - Midnight Blue: I dificulties of combined action, but Wasn't Lying When I Said I Love pointed out that Mr.-11. L. Stimson you

Roy Smeck and had drawn attention to the fact that

that Hawaiian Serenaders; Slow Fox- Trol-Where Are You? (ülin 'Top of sources in conducting her campaign the Town'); Swing Step-You Show- on imports from the British Empire

The

Victor Silvester cd Mc

Way..... Victor and from the United States. In any combined action the risk of hostile Trots-Mystery Pacific: You're Driv and His Ballroom Orchestra; Fox- refort must be contemplated, but if ing Me Cruzy..... Quintette Of The that action included two of the Hat Club Of France: Tangos-Jingle areatest countries he did not believe Cat

.. E. Bohr's Argen- the rink would be very grent.

Belis;

Orchestra; Fox-Trols Anyhow a momentary inferiority in This Year's Kisses; I've Got My Love Warm (film 'On the military or vat equipment should To Keep Me

and His not deter them the ultimate Avenue)......Roy Fox resources were certain to lend to the desired end.-Reuter,

·

Japan's Control Will Spread

were done fu prevent it.

London, Dec. 22. of armed combals between ancient Mr. A. V. Alexander, winding up Cathay and the truculent West,

for the Opposition Labour Party,

Japanese The petunt course of the war is, declared: The

would however, too well known for com-control the whole of the maritime provinces of China and the whole of ment, but it is noteworthy that a Treaty of Peace was signed between China's custonis unless something Captain Elliot and the Chinese envoy Ke Shan in Kwangtung Province at

With regard to American co-opera- a place called Chutempi in January tion, he said, it is not the best way

This treaty was ufterwards

to abtain the full support of the repudiated by the Haine Govern- ment, but during the preliminary them to intervine on a purely British (** | people of the United States to usic petitions it is stated that the or American interest basis.

The Chines

diplomat ofeved in bestow belleved, he said, that the best way the English upon The

uf island Hongkong as a place for foreign was on the wide basis of

to appeal to the Amerteun nation collective settlemen!ubject to the nominal security. jurisdiction of the Manchic guverns *ment and payment of an annual "land Elliot tent" to the Dragon Throne. however,

used to accept the island refused untess it be ceded outright. Even tually the Manchu envoy agreed, and upon Jan. 20, 1811, Elliot was able to promulgate the following mani- fest giving the terms of the treaty:

:

The

To Hire Britannic Majesty's Sub-

feets, Macao, 20th January, 1841.

1. The cession of the island and terriory of Hongkong to the British Crown.

All Just charges and duties to the

on thereafter to be paid as If the trade were conducted at Whampoa,

tineght.

Orchestra.

7.30 Stock Quotations and Hong- kong

Exchange Market.

7.35 Variety.

Vocal-Ellaline Terriss and Sey- mour Kicks Melley....Ellaline Terriss and Seymour Hicks; Humor- aus Monologue--The Beefeater (Wen- Lon & Lee)..... Stanley Holloway: Vocal-You Mean The World To Me Operetta The Singing Dream'); My Joseph Schmidt (Tenor); Orchestra- Beautiful Dream (Rotter-Tauber)... Six-Eight Medley....furry Hoy &

His Orchestra.

B.0 Local Time Signal, Weather Report and Announcements.

8.03 Studio Doreen An (Vocal Plane, and II. L. Ozorio (Piano).

1. Satan takes a Holiday..... L. Ozorlo (Plano); 2. Sweet Heartache ....Doreen Mu (Vocal) accomp. by II. L.. Ozorio: 3. Honeysuckle Rose

Doreen D

Ma and If. L. Ozorlu (Two Pianos); 4. Exactly like you, Doreen Ma (Vocal) accomp. by 11. L. Ozorio; 5. In Your Qulet Way..........H. L. Ozorla, 6. So Many Memories.... Mr: Alexander criticised the Gov-Doreen Ma accomp. by H. L. Ozorio; ernment for not placing an embargo 7. Tea for Two....Two Pianos; 8. on exports of armis to Japun..

Stardust on the Moon....Doreen Ma accomp. by H. L. Ozorio.

Criticises Government

He hoped that every possible help would be given to China to purchase

arms,

sanctions

agreement with the rest of the members of the

League, they must stand together

Reuter.

2. An Indemnity to the British | and defend themselves, he concludel. Government of six millions of dollars; one million payable at once, and the instal-

Eden Explains Policy

8.30 Variety.

&

Violin-African Serenade (Boulan- ger): African Vislon (Boulanger).... The Government would not be do- George Boulanger; Orchestral Poor ing all it could 10 vindicate Covenant of the League if it did not Sue. Just You (Harris & Young).... the Butterfly (Gulden & Hubbell); Sweet propose, through League operation The Dixie Devils: Orchestra The Sunctions which would' prévent war

Vallee Medicy. .Rudy Vallee & materials reaching Japan. If at-ilis Connecticut Yankees. at Lintin. So frequently was' Be, empire upon the Commerce carried tucked because they were exercising

8.50 Studio-Series of talks 'Ama- economic

teur Experts'.

9.0 Light Orchestral with Tino Ross! (Tenor).

Lehar Wultz Putpourri (arr. Rob- recht)....Orchestra Mascottee; Pour- quel Quand Je Te Dis: Je T'Alme (Bobby Lexso-Valerie); Your London, Dec. 21.

Qu'Avez-Vous Fait De Mon Amour? Mr. Anthony Eden, winding up the Varna, Marc-Cab & Barezi)....Tino equal debate, categorically denied the sug-Ross; Notte Sul Mare, Barenrolle

Vesuviana, gestion in certain quarters that the (Valente);

Tarantella Government intended to try und Murchetti) Orchestre Napolitain. make a settlement with Germany in the colonial field on the basis of deal at the expense of other colonial Powers. He added: "Just as we are not seeking a solution to the colonial problem at the expense of other Powrs, so we ure not seeking solution of European dimeulties at other Powers izz Europe.

*

remainder in equal annual ments ending in 1840.

3. Derct official intercourse tween the countries upon an footing.

be-

1. The trade of the part of Canton to be opened within ten days after 909 | Cie Chinese New Year, and to be carried on 31 Whampoa til further arrangements are practicable at the

new settlement.

Formal possession

•

of Hongkong,

which saw the birth of the majority/workedals, determined to solve however, did not take place until the the expense of

of the leading

-history-of-ar-we-Arst-bener once and..

the three British Superintendents of

of overseeing und regulating thes

it must

1

La Serenade A Lena (Scolto, Marc- Nuit (Bixlo, Mare-Cab & Cab & Varna); Un Violon Dans Lo Varna) Tino

Rossi; Serenade-Valsg Espagnole (Metra); De Picpus Au Palals D'Angkor-Fox-Intermezzo (Marceau)....Orchestre Huby Gold- stein.

9.30 London Relay--The News. 9.50 Band-of-II.M.-Coldstream Guards.

Les Clothes De Corneville-Selec- (Planquette); 'Geisha'-Selce- flon (Jones); Belle Of New York-

This state of altairs continued til Very little la actually known of

when the Manchu Eliot's Dre, but we presume that at the year 1830, the time of his sojourn in the East. Emperor Two-kwang alarmed by the he was a man in the late thirties or cyclopean proportions of the illegal carly forties; hence, he was probably traile, ad annoyed by the born some time between 1700 and hek of control which was exercised over the European traders who 1800-a remarkable period of years

hand in glove with corrupt in the early once and for all the

problem. There of him in the year 1835 as one of

of fore he

he despatched a sperial Court when marines were landed and missioner to

to Canton-an

the royal salute and numerous feux energetic de joie were fred. The Commodore

Referring to the Far East. Mr. Eden and conscientious official named Lam task

tion the advocacy Trade charged with the difficult Sak-ui- man actuated of the Fleet. Sir Gordon Bremer and said that with regard

riotic mouses Captain Elliot jointly completed the of the Labour Members for sanctions,

Selection (Sullivan). a Proclamation, although it was not the risk. if not the certainty of war. Hongkong became a Crown Colony.

5th the

of April. 1843 that nobody should contemplate any ac

tion of that kind in the Far East un- of his position as lier Majesty's policy. He pointed out that in the Captain Elliot from the eminence less they were convinced they had an

overwhelming force to

to back their Plenipotentiary nutomatically became the first administrator of the colonial two great naval Powers, Britain and League of Nations there were only

France, and an overwhelming -force- did not exist. Any course of action the Far East must depend on the co-operation of other nations buskies members of the League.

Immense problem of British trade] be said by the must diet act of founding the Colony by issuine and that effective sanctions meant Selection (Kerker); The Mikado'-

mondarinate.

the

tintil

resented

one of

the

with China. The Importance of the

The and impelled by the

who wrote post was momentous; for the Charter of his sovereign

Company use of the foreign earth (opium) of the Hon. East India had just expired in the previous year is sapping the ancient vigour of our and the two-century old monopoly of people and in tune will reduce use "Johns Company" had been declared the estate

of the most pitiable in- at an end.

plitude; therefore, we command you Consequently, the question of do every thing possible in order to s

His term of legitimate, trade

office government. was in chaos, and slams out the hideous trade, even if

however, was a brief one: for on July the foreign settlement at Canton was you must seize forthwith the stocks 20, 1841, IL.M.S. Plegeton

arrived thronged "with "free lance" traders of the auxious drug which they (the bearing despatches informing him of men of

him of little capital whose sole aimuter barbarians") have in store at the dis

disapproval nf the Chueni was to get rich quick, and

Who

had the port of Cunton and to compel | Tre no scruples as to what means they them to relinquish all rights of trade Treaty by Her Majesty's Government and the appointment of Sir Henry might adopt in order it they could with our mighty Empire."

Pottinger

Acute Uncertainty as Plenipotentiary. His make their "pile,"

that they The arrival of Commissioner Lam administration therefore ended short- Mr. Eden said he was convinced could return home in a few years at Canton was greeted with trepiday afterwards, and upon August 24 there would be no assurance of a fast- with the wealth of Croesus. The

tion on the part of the Chinese be

he embarked on Cratest and quickest way to acquire ofteials and with consternation on

tie Atalanta for ing peace in the world until inter- Europe. We read in the old chronicles national order was generally accepted that competency was through the the part of the foreign traders. Elliot of the Colony that upon his depar

nar by nations and sume limitation of sale of opium-imported from India

armaments formed part of that ac- and smugitled through the Cantons implored by the British com- ture no public address was

and to him, nor were there any honours ceptance. Mr. Eden declared: "We delta with the comivance of some of munity to act with despatch the corrupt membris of the Chinese celerity, war use of neure un

in order to do everything bestowed by the English community have got to live through this period and trading

ling rights." To Elliot's er-foresight gave Britain lasting

we may say that he most beautiful and picturesque of her credit, trade soon grew to was fearless and his unyielding at- colonial possessions." enormous proportions, and the evertitude did much to bring courage to increasing scale of profits brought out the faint-hearted traders who were from England and the Continent the in a dilemma as to the best course rag, tag and bob-tail of ex-soldiers, of action. Shortly after the arrival saltors and traders whose insatiable of the

Manchu Commissioner the rapacity for quick profits caused the critical test came when i shemoran- managing body of the Bon. Eust dum was presented to Elliot requir India Company to protest that "the whole coterle of unlicensed traders to surrender to the Chinese were wreaking havoc with the state of the China trade which had been alowly built up by the tedious, polas taking efforts of generations of con scientious and

and faithful servants of the

Company."

The settlement area was forthwith The result of their petition, how- ever, was the appointment of Super-surrounded by the Chinese soldiers intendents of Trade-at Lintin near and

and practically blockaded, and it Hongkong, Whampoa and at Canton. was even stated that the Europeans Captain Elliot was the one who had were imprisoned by Commissioner Canton Latin, but any imprisonment was in appointed to All the post, but the others were soon vacant their own houses, though this was Iserious enough as they could not secure food and water, and all their

The opium

been

1

ever-

authorities the person of Mr. Dent, who it was stated was "the largest dealer in the oplum frame." Elliot, of course courageously refused and Immediately took up his quarters in the "factories."

on their occupants either cu

or returned to England, thus

U. S. Hides Movements Of Fleet

San Diego, Dec. 21. The United States Navy's fast harbour patrol munelten, armed with machine-guns, are now out on duty at this base.

The

Navy

suddenly clamped down with unexplained secrecy regarding the movements of all flect unlls-United Presa,

Continuing, Mr. Eden sald Britain

had great interests in the Far East,

not incompatible with those of other nations there, which they would do their utmost to defend.

"In our view the present conflict will inevitably bring great E- poverishment to the Far East and 10 every nation there, whatever their Immediate military gains

may be. Three principles

musi gulde us. First we must do all we honourably can to secure the restoration of peace; secondly we must do our full hare with others to fulfill our Inter- national obligations; and thirdly we must protect our own interests, and of course, British territory."

Was

the

10.15 London Relay Music Hall.

a

LX470 LX471 LX 50 to

LX 54

LX342 to LX340

MACKINTOSH'S

Men's Wear

Specialists

CHRISTMAS GIFTS

FOR

MUSICAL FRIENDS

YOUR

Concertstuck in F minor

(Weber)

Symphony No. 2 in D major

(Sibelius).

Concerto No. 5 (The Emperor)

(Beethoven)

IX483 to Quartet No. 15 in A minor LX467

(Beethoven).

.Nobert Cosadesus Piano with Orch, Symphonie de Paris. ....Symphony Orch.

Gieseking (Piano) with Phil. Orch. Lener String Quartet.

„Sziget! and London Phil. Orchi.

LX433 to Concerto for Violin & Orch,..........Szigell and London Phil. Orch. L8435

(Prokofieff). LX386 to Concerto No. 4 in D LX388 LX341 LX455 to LX461.

(Mozart).

Concerto in D.Harold Lowther (Organ) with London Sym, Orch.

Faust Symphony

...Grand Orch. Symphonic de Paris.

(Liszt).

The Anderson Music Co., Ltd.

Phone 21322

including Dennett and Williams, "Of all the amazing things Gentleman." two Jovial Boys with their Phon fiddles, Billy Bennett Almost

this "Hullo Hong Kong is the Wee Georgle Wood, the

Charles Shadwell.

of Vaudeville with The ter Pun BBC Variely Orchestra conducted by

11.15 Close down,

Ice House Street.

most amusingly so."

MACLTOING ROZG!!

H.K. Preparing TO-DAY & TO-MORROW

For Possible Refugee Flood

London, Dec. 21. Replying to Col. J. C, Wedg- wood (Cons.) as to whether Chi- nese refugees would be allowed to enter British territory in the New Territories, Mr. W. Ormsby- Gore, Socretary of State for the Colonies, sald the Governor was already examining

the

question with a view to providing within the British Colony shelters for as many genuine refugees as possl- bie, subject to necessary con- Alderations regarding public health and food supplies. Reuter.

British Commonwealth with the United States. There was not, and could not be, any question of treaty or entanglements, but It was a true community outlook which could prove

CHINA

FLEET.

CLUB

at 9.15

The brightest, gayest, craziest show in the East

HULLO HONG KONG

With a high-spirited cast of Young Naval Gentlemen & Ladies

in aid of

THE SAIYINGPUN CHINESE BOYS' CLUB (through, TOC H)

and

THE NAVAL CHAPLAIN'S FUND FOR SEAMEN'S WELFARE

Hurry! ---

Got your seats for the Crazy Revuo -

MOLTO JONG RO26!

Keeps Close Contacts Air. Eden emphasised that

to be an invaluable asset in the muin-$3, 2, 1, 50 cts. Government

tenance of peace which was the arst constantly dally closely consulting the Govern the British Commonwealth and the and and greatest desire of the peoples of ment of the United States, and the fact that the British and American

United States alike. Later.

Sun Diego is approaching war- * time conditions. All civilians

are

that was perhaps the most import-dire threat of capital punishunned from vessels of the destroyer the Captain in sole charge and filling servants were forced to leave under

Superintendent of British Trade for lege the haughty Commissioner deflect, even newsboys. People golnut It would be wrong, with the world worse anxlelies and nobody should ant commercial post of his day the Finally as a result of this state of

all Chinn. In vain did Captain Ellot Hvered an

er officials to fill the willing to hand over one

of their

aro searched.

governments had repeatedly taken observing that though the difficulties The Foreign Secretary concluded by the closeness of such collaboration, defeatisin. Britain had weathered parallel or similar action Indleated were great, there was no

cause for

aboard cruisers

All as it is tu-day, if they were to deny ultimatum 10 the for-

not questions receive curt: "No con- their own authority or to belittle the

make the mistake of thinking the the Home Goverment to eigners that since they were

ment,"

the spirit and tennelly of the British From Son Pedro, comes the first friendships. Britain was not with- recent years. "We must seek to be firmness and significance of their people was in any way changed in posts and to provide a amni] { nationals, they could surrender In- armed force in order to hinder the stead all the stores of opium in their Commander CJ Wheeler, Fink Eden, and referred to France, the without being defeatist, and continue explanation of ship movements. out friends in the world, said Mr. patient, yet arm, and conciliatory. piracy and smuggling connected with possession.

Secretary to Admiral Hepburn, sald: United States, as well as the Batkan to arm because that was the only tho traffic. The Ministry under

"One division of destroyers has been Ententes, with each of which England way to get an arms ngreement. That Robert Peel, however, was little

temporarily transferred to San Pedro for training. No further movement of friend, and intimate relations policy the country will endorse and is contemplated." The ships may be

friendship.

is a policy the Government will back in San Diege for Christmas. United Press,

Mr. Eden sold that most important continue to pursue" (loud Ministerial

the relations of the

cheers)--Neuter.

Affairs, however, went from bud concerned with the plens of a trade to worse, and eventually culminated superintendent of the Chinean port in the brief and inglorious war which of Canton. As a result of the failure broke out in 1839 between England to secure proper support, Eillot was and China-the first of that series

of all were

From Messrs. MOUTRIE

A real Holiday Show !

LYON'S TEA

The

Famous Blend from Lyon's, Cadby Hall, Kensington

OBTAINABLE IN HONGKONG From Leading Stores

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