but some
come inspection would still be
to see that the space allotted
receiving
was in accordance
to the passengers with the ordinance.
I throw this out as a
suggestion in case the matter should be again stirred
by the French government or Oriental &
General Co. If however contrary to my expectation, they should
let it stand as it is, there is no reason why the Government should interfere –
M. Mende.
Hobts 8/1
His Excellency & come to some
decision on the point the French last
[ let them know the result after consideration of the restriction ]
MINUTE PAPER.
476
might very safely be allowed, it
would only be an
evasion under another name.
See 134
Of course the Chinese Passengers Act
is not applicable only to "coolies" migrating under contract.
I think it would be justifiable to extend it to all steamers under contract with this Government (as
the P&O and the Messageries) except private steamers (carrying mails
or otherwise) subject to inspection.
Every occasion is taken
to object to Hongkong for a short voyage,
when a Messageries steamer is detained
the French Government is interfered
with which is awkward.
I do not think that it is necessary
to inspect the above classes of steamers specially, I think Sir A. Kennedy's suggestion to
confine the short voyage from 7 to 12 days, releasing
this ...