No.64.
Capry
CC07 894
Keer 16 APR
Government House.
Hong-Kong, 17th March, 1899.
Sir,
41463.
March 1899.
I have the honour to transmit for your consideration copy of a correspondence which has passed between Messrs. Jardine, Matheson & Co. and this Government on the subject of contract Emigration to Sumatra.
The Colonial Secretary's letter addressed to Messrs. Jardine, Matheson & Co. was based on the general ruling laid down in Lord Knutsford's despatch Emigration of the 6th May, 1891, but as Messrs. Jardine, Matheson & Co. point out that contract Emigration is permitted from Singapore by the Government of the Straits Settlements, presumably with your sanction, it is possible that you may be disposed to sanction it from Hong-Kong on the same conditions with which it will be just as easy to comply here as in the Straits Settlements.
I enclose the form of contract referred to by Messrs. Jardine, Matheson & Co., and request your instructions in the matter.
The Right Honourable
JOSEPH CHAMBERLAIN, M.P.
&C
I have the honour to be,
Sir,
Your most obedient
Humble Servant,
Henry
GOVERNOR, &C.
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