The text appears to be a historical document related to Hong Kong. After proofreading and correcting OCR errors, the text is reformatted in HTML as follows:
1he ASA -stated verbally that to proceed with witnesses and complainants to Hong Kong with all speed to confront the prisoners, and he begged to write to you to request that the prisoners should be handed over at an early date. When Colonel Li reported to that he had ascertained that eight notorious Criminals hiding in Hong Kong were in and requested me to write you to be good enough to request His Excellency the Acting Governor of Hong Kong to direct the criminals to be arrested and handed over, and directed Acting Captain Li to proceed to Hong-Kong and take them over.
On receipt of the above report I directed Colonel Li to send the Acting Captain forthwith to Hong Kong with witnesses and complainants to confront the prisoners and take them over, and I have to request you to write to His Excellency the Acting Governor of Hong Kong and ask him after the prisoners have been confronted with the witnesses and complainants in charge of the said Captain, to hand over the three criminals "Cheng Sacoshu lien" and "Hu-tshih one" to Captain Li for conveyance to Canton for trial, and thereby preserve the entente cordiale. Instructions have been given that no torture be applied at their trial.
I have the honour to be Your most obedient servant.
(S) Chang bhik-tung.
Translated by (Set) Alex Hosie.
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