083 3340
0.0.
9215
263
RECP
REC 20 1PR 36
It is requested that in any further communication on this subject, the above Number may be quoted; and the Letter addressed to
The Under Secretary of State,
War Office,
WAR OFFICE, PALL MALL, S.W.,
Pall Mall,
London, (S.W.)
Sir,
Sir,
28th April
1890
I am directed by the Secretary of State for War to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 25th ultimo, with enclosure returned herewith.
In reply, I am to acquaint you for the information of the Secretary of State for the Colonies that in the opinion of Lord Lansdowne the small fines inflicted in the case under consideration cannot be regarded as deterrent.
The punishments inflicted in other Countries for offences similar to that committed at Hong Kong are as follows:-
Germany, maximum sentence 10 years' imprisonment with fine of £500. If the intention to communicate the sketch to other people so as to endanger the safety of the German Empire be not proved the punishment is limited to 5 years' imprisonment, or 3 years detention in a fortress, to which may be added a fine of £250. In this latter case, if there are extenuating circumstances the fine alone may be imposed.
France.
For mere sketching, unaccompanied by aggravating circumstances, the penalty is imprisonment for a period varying from one month to one year with a fine of from £4 to £40.
Under Secretary of State,
Colonial Office.
Russia