Enclosure No.2 in Wr.Scott's despatch No.41 of
27th November, 1901, to H.M. Minister.
Sir,
Viceroy to Consul General.
0.0
658
2380
R &
Reze 20 JAN 02
Canton, 8th November, 1901.
I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your despatch of the 20th October respecting the "Perseverance" Piracy case and the prisoners Lei Ah Ch'ane and others extradited from Hong Kong to Canton. The charge against the accused was heard and determined on the strength of the evidence established in open Court.
In recording your appreciation of these proceedings you add that you have received instructions from H.B.M. Minister in Peking to place yourself in personal communication with me and arrange that hereafter in respect to criminals extradited to Canton from Hongkong the trial and other proceedings shall all conform to this case.
In reply I would point out that brigandage is rampant in the Kuang Tung Province, and it constantly occurs that real criminals who have been captured and brought to trial resort to cunning and refuse to confess, in the hope of escaping the consequences of their guilt. Where, however, in a criminal case proofs and witnesses are certain and true, the charge can be dealt with by application of the law whereby the whole evidence being clear and certain, the trial is held completed.
Having received your despatch under acknowledgment requesting that, hereafter, in the trial of criminals extradited from Hong Kong, all proceedings shall conform to this case, as in duty bound I now have the honour to record my assent to this arrangement, and to add that I have duly instructed my officials accordingly.
I have etc.,
(SEAL OF VICEROY).