238
that traffic.
have
of
wish
to
claim
200
any right of interference with the measures adopted by the Strong Song Government, but I would aug- gest this, affecting British ships sailing from Chinese ports, it
that in such matters as
it might be desirable, in the
general interests of British
shipping, for some
communication to be made to me be-
fore decisive action is taken.
This particular question of the passenger traffic from
Chefoo to
Wladivostock had
already engaged my attention,
and
I entertain hopes that
the authorities of other nations
whose ships are
engaged in
that traffic may be induced
to unite in taking
measures to prevent overcrowding
on any of the
vessels. If such
united action could be secured, in view
of the end in view (
the protection of native passengers) it would effectually
be much attained, without prejudicing
British vessels
vis a vis those
under other flags.
His Excellency,
I have re-
(82) N. R. O'Conor.
Sir W. Robinson, K. C. M. G.
Hong Kong.
Lo