CONFIDENTIAL
Sir,
Government House,
Hongkong, 31st December, 1901.
With reference to your Confidential Despatch of the 25th October last respecting the crime of bigamy alleged to have been committed by Mr. Hanson, I have the honour to inform you that in consequence of a confession made by Mr. Hanson in writing and before witnesses, I was advised by the Attorney-General and Crown Solicitor that so far as could be seen at present no witness of the first marriage would be necessary to complete the case for the prosecution. I therefore requested you by telegraph on the 24th instant to cancel the passage of the witness who was about to travel from England to Hongkong.
I shall be glad if you will be so good as to direct the Crown Agents to debit this Government with any expenses which may have been incurred by the witness or by them on his behalf, in connection with this case.
The defendant has been committed for trial at the January Sessions, and I will duly inform you of the verdict returned by the Jury.
I have the honour to be, Sir,
Your most obedient
Humble servant,
The Right Honourable
Joseph Chamberlain,
M.P.