Enclosure No.1 in Mr. Scott's despatch to R.M. Minister.
657
No.41 of 27th November, 1901.
Prisoners extradited from Hongkong.
H.B.M. Consulate General,
Canton, 28th October, 1901.
Sir,
A 20 JAN 02
I beg to invite Your Excellency's attention to the piracy of the Steam Launch "Perseverance" when Lei Ah Ch'ang and other criminals were extradited by the Hong Kong authorities to Canton.
Your Excellency instructed the Nam Hoi Magistrate to hear and try the case in the presence of an officer appointed by H.M. Consul General. No torture whatever was employed; the charge against the accused was heard and determined on the strength of the evidence established in open Court; and certain of the criminals were executed, one imprisoned and one released.
In recording my appreciation of these proceedings, I now beg to state that I have received instructions from Sir Ernest Satow, H.B.M. Minister in Peking, directing me to place myself in personal communication with Your Excellency, and to arrange that hereafter in respect to criminals extradited to Canton by the Hong Kong authorities, the trial and other proceedings shall all conform to this case. To-day Your Excellency was so good as to receive me; and I take this opportunity to convey my acknowledgment of your concurrence and personal assurances thereto.
I have etc.,
(Sd.) James Scott.