CONFIDENTIAL.
Hongkong,
The 15th July, 1904
PRINTED FOR CONFIDENTIAL USE
No. 28725
RECEIVED (Registry No. 232) 15 AUG 04
Government House,
Hongkong, 15th July, 1904
Sir,
25056.
I have the honour to transmit a paraphrase of the telegram which I sent you on the 14th instant in reply to the message which I received from you under date of the 5th idem.
2. During the past three weeks I have spared no effort to induce the Viceroy to withdraw the embargo that has been placed in the Provinces under his administration on coolies coming to Hongkong for the purpose of emigrating to South Africa.
With the assistance of His Majesty's Consul-General the Viceroy was persuaded to issue two Proclamations which it was hoped would result in emigrants finding their way hither pending some permanent and definite arrangement under which embarkation from Hongkong should be recognised under the Convention.
3. These hopes were not realised and finally His Majesty's Consul-General after seeing me in Hongkong had an interview with the Viceroy on the 11th instant at which he made definite proposals pending reference by me and His Majesty's Minister at Peking to London for the settlement of
THE RIGHT HONOURABLE
ALFRED LYTTELTON, M.P.,
&c. &c.