FOR USE IN STRICT CONFIDENCE
Telegram
25th August
Sir,
31582.
Government House, Hongkong 9th September, 1904.
In continuation of my Despatch No. 308 dated the 3rd August, 1904, and with reference to the subsequent telegraphic correspondence on the subject of the crew of the S.S. "Inkum", of which I enclose copies for convenience of reference, I have the honour to furnish for your information the following fuller report on the incident and to express regret at the trouble caused in the matter.
2. The vessel called at Hongkong on the 17th July for orders which were to the effect that she was to proceed to Japan and discharge her cargo of coal at Sasebo for the Japanese Government. On the following day the Master reported to the Harbour Master that the whole of the crew (30 in all) refused to proceed to Japan on the ground that coal having been declared contraband by Russia they were not prepared to risk any consequences that might ensue. The Harbour Master interviewed the men who informed him that they had been kept in complete ignorance that they were expected to take part in such a venture and that there was no reference to it on the articles they signed.
3. After satisfying himself by examination
The Right Honourable Alfred Lyttelton, K.C., M.P., etc...
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However, to follow the exact format requested (HTML using for paragraphs and
only if necessary, without markdown or code fences), and adhering strictly to the instructions given:
FOR USE IN STRICT CONFIDENCE
Telegram
25th August
Sir,
31582.
Government House, Hongkong 9th September, 1904.
In continuation of my Despatch No. 308 dated the 3rd August, 1904, and with reference to the subsequent telegraphic correspondence on the subject of the crew of the S.S. "Inkum", of which I enclose copies for convenience of reference, I have the honour to furnish for your information the following fuller report on the incident and to express regret at the trouble caused in the matter.
2. The vessel called at Hongkong on the 17th July for orders which were to the effect that she was to proceed to Japan and discharge her cargo of coal at Sasebo for the Japanese Government. On the following day the Master reported to the Harbour Master that the whole of the crew (30 in all) refused to proceed to Japan on the ground that coal having been declared contraband by Russia they were not prepared to risk any consequences that might ensue. The Harbour Master interviewed the men who informed him that they had been kept in complete ignorance that they were expected to take part in such a venture and that there was no reference to it on the articles they signed.
3. After satisfying himself by examination
The Right Honourable Alfred Lyttelton, K.C., M.P., etc...
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363
Page 363
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