to Hawes
47
Admiralty
Foreign Office
he sees any objection to a proposal of this kind being made to the Chinese Government, and whether, if agreed by them, it could be carried into effect in any British Colony.
I am, Sir, Your most obedient humble Servant. Alhddington
New Memorandum
Chinese Criminals sentenced to transportation are sent to the Straits Settlements, but the Indian Government would probably object to any large numbers being transported there. Chinese felons if given up to the British authorities would be tried as British Subjects.
Piracy Commission should suppress violence committed by them.
13 Dec. I do not think Lord Cannington's proposal relates to the trial of offenders - only their punishment. I presume there are facilities at Hong Kong for this purpose, & to other fit settlement under the control of this department?
12 Dec. I doubt the expediency of allowing the Penal Settlement to be used as a place of punishment for Chinese Pirates unless they are sentenced to transportation for felony and Convict Labor be used for public works. I should be glad to know whether the Straits Settlements authorities would object to receiving such convicts and be willing to comply with their Colony's regulations?
2 Jan. I am now sent from Hong Kong to the E. I. Co's penal settlements. I understand whether the law thinks it expedient to receive a considerable number of convicts in addition, those really fit for labor might probably be received without inconvenience in Mauritius but I am not certain. We were unwilling.