337
have not made their defence. It ... appears from the proceedings before the Magistrate that although they did not make any defence this was because their lawyer did not choose to use the opportunity of doing so that they were duly given.
100.0
In presence of Your Lordship's statement that you know these men to be innocent the Governor is unwilling to hand over these money to the Chinese Government without giving you an opportunity of substantiating your statement to this effect.
"I am therefore to ask Your Lordship to place without delay before His Excellency a statement of the evidence which you are prepared to adduce in proof of your assertion.
I have &c.
H. Marsh
Colonial Secretary: