No. 119.
My Lord:
BERLIN,
May 16th, 1903.
132
With reference to Your Despatch No. 40 of February 2nd last requesting me to renew my application to the German Government on the subject of the assault committed by seamen of the German Navy on a Constable of the Hongkong Police Force, I have the honour to transmit herewith copy and translation of a Note from Dr. von Muhlberg which has now been communicated to me.
The Imperial Government regret the occurrence, but excuse the conduct of the Commanders of their ships in withdrawing their men from bail on the ground of differences on this point between German and English Law; and of the tendency in German administration to allow ship's Commanders to dispose themselves of cases of misdemeanour committed on shore.
The Marquess of Lansdowne, K.G.,
&c., &c., &c.,
The...