The purpose of the migration to South Africa alone regulations should be prepared and issued on the general lines of the Indian regulation: e.g. Ships going to South Africa should not carry deck passengers as they are allowed to carry in the China Seas, and they should continue to be allowed to carry ... they should be required to carry a doctor. It is already intended to effect these modifications.
We cannot construe the telegram till the Committee has come to an understanding, but, as soon as they have decided, we must telegraph at once. We clearly cannot answer this at present. The point here is to be settled in connection with the Convention and I propose to instruct you to press for the retention of the proposed schedule which is based on the Hong Kong Law, consenting to any omissions or alterations they may propose (for the less we are tied down the better) and anything they wish added if they are not obviously inconvenient.
Whatever we do, we wish to avoid leaving a great deal of this kind on an unsatisfactory basis, and friendly regulations, in the framing of which China would certainly claim a voice.
Our guide should be tested experience:
1. the one guide tested & Experience
2. and thumb-rule based more suitable for Chinese from the Indian models
3. promise to Parliament
4. Expected by T.V.
5. the only existing legislation applicable & to apply.
A vague permission out as I suggest is then for about as for rules.
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