OPY.
300
C. O.
18366
FOREIGN OFFICE.
- 18 00.3
June 27th, 1898.
Sir:-
I am directed by the Marquess of Balisbury to
transmit to you herewith, for the consideration of the
Board of Trade and for any observations which they may
desire to offer a copy of a letter from the Colonial
Office, and of its enclosure, in which the question
is raised whether it primarily rests with the Consul
of the United States in Hongkong, or with the stipen-
diary magistrate, to determine whether a Seaman in
certain cases is a deserter; and also whether, in the
circumstances it is expedient to amend Section 20(1)
of the Hong Kong Ordinance No.20 of 1891, with a view
of bringing its provisions into harmony with the Trea-
ty between this Country and the United States, of the
3rd of June 1892.
Copies of the Ordinance and of the Treaty in
To the secretary
to the Board of Trade.
question