letters addressed to WM's Acting Consul, Mr. Shance, to be communicated by him to His Excellency the Minister
The fact is that, in the case of Kwai-pin and the other Criminals who were given lip-service, no torture whatever was employed at the trial and examination by Chinese officials, but that the statement which appeared in the Daily Press was based upon mere hearsay, reports and cannot be considered authentic or wholly credible. The former Assistant, Li, enquired into the matter at the time and reported the circumstances in letters which are on record for purposes of reference.
Further, it is to be observed that British officials are bound by Treaty provisions to take steps for delivering up Chinese criminals who have taken refuge in Hongkong. As regards the employment of torture at the trial and investigation held subsequent to their rendition, this practice was first yielded by the former Viceroy, Jur, by way of concession and deference to the way of thinking of British Officials.
In the present instance, Young Chow-kam and the others are criminals whose rendition is provided for by Treaty, and