bio. 264.
36091
415
حواسم
Government House,
Hongkong, 15th September, 1899.
24740
Lov
24857
Sir,
Yesterday evening I had the honour to receive from you the following telegram:-
"United States Ambassador complains that hired transport 'Tartar' conveying troops refused clearance contending that 'Tartar' Government ship is exempted from port regulations. Information required by telegraph what are the facts regarding 'Tartar' and by what law detention permissible unless otherwise advised by legal advisers you should allow clearance";
to which I replied by telegram:-
"British steam-ship 'Tartar' with United States Troops on board entered on the 6th instant. A complaint of overcrowding was made to the Harbour Master by some persons on board. On demand for clearance at 3 p.m. 13th instant, certificate showed ship licensed for 741, and Master returned number of passengers at 1140. Harbour Master refused clearance under section 4 sub-section 6, and section 6 sub-section 1 of Ordinance 28 of 1891 until sufficient life-saving apparatus supplied. This being done ship cleared 14th instant at 3.30 p.m. Under the provisions of the Ordinance the Governor had no power to interfere.
RIGHT HONOURABLE JOSEPH CHAMBERLAIN, M.P.,
General
8cc.