Peking, April 8th, 1901.
243
I have received your Despatch No. 9 of March 25th, with reference to the desire of the Governor of Hongkong that an Officer should be present at the trial of accused persons extradited from that Colony, and reporting that the Viceroy has agreed to give the arrangement a trial; you should in each case leave it to the Hongkong Government to decide whether they prefer that a Colonial or a Consular Official should attend the trial.
I understand that torture is applied to obtain a confession, after which Judgment is given, and that the Hongkong Government desire to prevent this as regards prisoners extradited by them. The Consular or Colonial Official should consequently attend every hearing, including the final one at which sentence is pronounced. That would, it appears to me, furnish the desired guarantee.
You should communicate the instructions received by you to the Hongkong Government.
I am etc.,
(sd.) Ernest Satow.
13. C. George Scott, Esq.,
B. K. Consul-General,
Canton.