COFY.
Enclosure 1.
7428725
Paraphrase of Telegram dated 14th July, 1904 15 AUG 04
234
In reply to your enquiry His Majesty's Consul-General had an interview with the Viceroy of the Two Kwang on the 11th and offered that if Hongkong was allowed to be used as the place where emigrants from the Canton Province should embark, the fee of three dollars per capita would be paid and Inspectors appointed by the Viceroy would be allowed to inspect the Emigration Depot and emigration vessels. The Inspectors would not be allowed to live or perform any duties in the Colony. The Viceroy stated that he had been instructed by China's Minister at London that emigration was not to be permitted to South Africa except from Treaty Ports.
He added that he had not received the regulations under Article 5 of the Convention. He would not listen to any proposals outside the letter of the Convention.
The Agents of the Mine Owners to send their emigration vessels to Northern Ports. I would suggest that Hongkong be recognised under the Convention or by interchange of diplomatic notes or otherwise. And I would recommend that a member of the Imperial Maritime Customs here be made Inspector on behalf of the Chinese Government.
I see no objection to periodical inspection by Chinese inspectors appointed by the Viceroy if necessary.
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