Russia. For making sketches of forts, &c., for the use of a foreign Power, the minimum punishment is 8 months imprisonment, the maximum, transportation for life to Siberia. There is no option of a fine. This and kindred offences are triable by court-martial, whether the offender is a soldier or a civilian, and irrespective of nationality.
The offence of sketching forts, &c., where the intention to communicate the sketch to a foreign Power cannot be proved, is punishable with imprisonment of from 4 to 12 months' duration without the option of a fine.
In view of these facts Lord Lansdowne would suggest for the consideration of Mr. Chamberlain whether it would not be advisable to obtain the opinion of the Governor of Hong Kong as to the desirability of amending the Defences Sketching Prevention Ordinance 1895.
I have the honor to be,
Sir,
Your Obedient Servant,
W. J. Hoyting
9215 Houghing. No 94
Sin W. Robinson Keng.
M. Lucas
28 April
30 June fs
Ausd 17702
Ind 264
April 96. Sin Ikary
With reference to previous correspondence respecting the recent case of Russian officers sketching the fortifications of Hong Kong, I have the honour to enclose for an expression of your opinion a copy of a letter from the War Office suggesting that the penalties authorised in cases of this kind by Ordinance 1.9.95. are insufficient.