Enclosure L
No. 198. Hongkong
Government House, Hongkong, 6th May, 1904.
C.O. 10986 642
Sir,
32564 03 General
With reference to my Despatch No. 375 of the 31st July, 1903, in which I informed you of the reasons why it was desirable to allow the Proclamation against the export of arms and ammunition to remain in force in this Colony, I have the honour to inform you that the Russian Consul at this Port has protested against the action of this Government in allowing a Japanese Merchant Vessel to take on board a quantity of Dynamite destined for Japan. At an interview with the Consul I pointed out to him that the terms of the Proclamations of Neutrality with regard to the Russo-Japanese War have been in no way contravened by this Government. The restrictions placed upon the export of war material by the Arms Proclamation are only intended to prevent such material reaching the hands of Chinese rebels and bandits in South China, and that though that Proclamation is general in its terms, export permits are granted as a matter of course when the destination of the arms etc., is other than any port in China.
2. I consulted the Attorney-General on this matter, and I enclose copy of his minute. I also enclose a Copy
THE RIGHT HONOURABLE
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ALFRED LYTTELTON, K.C., M.P.,
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