Mistake
MKhulas
I think
we must ask the customs authorities under what statute
we
are
empowered to confiscate
these arms which are
in Hong Kong sending a city of Hongkong and ask for return adding that Chamberlain has some doubt whether any action is possible practicable beyond refusing
permit for export
...
J
I already
ordained 15,000
No
Munce
22 June
consider the Arms & Ammunition
breach to have been committed
Let
in Hong Kong in connection with these arms
so as to render them liable to be forfeited to The Crown under S.29 of that order
2.S.R. 24/6.
C.Pd. 25
at once
No.
In reply to this letter the following Number should be quoted.
9225 1901
18636
Sir,
Custom House, London,
20th June, 1901.
With reference to Mr. Lucas' letter of the
1st instant, No. 18636, enclosing copies of
correspondence respecting the shipment to Hong
Kong of certain Revolvers and Ammunition intended for
Wei-Hai-Wei,
I am directed by the Board of Customs to
transmit, for the information of the Secretary of
State for the Colonies, the enclosed copy of a
Report by the Solicitor of this Department on the subject, and to state that they will be ready to undertake the prosecution of the Webley and Scott Revolver and Arms Company, Limited, for the shipment of the Ammunition if it is thought necessary; but in view of the circumstances as set out in the Report, the Secretary of State may perhaps think it inadvisable to proceed further than to direct the
confiscation of the goods.
The original enclosures to Mr. Lucas' letter are returned herewith as requested.
I am,
sir,
Your obedient Servant,
The Under Secretary of State,
Colonial Office.