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their articles which they would probably refuse to do as pre-judging the claim which they consider they have against the owners and which they will no doubt follow up on arrival in England.
6.
I would point out, as not entirely irrelevant to the present matter, that it is the invariable custom here on ships being put under charter for conveying coolies for Chinese crews to take the place of the European crews who are then sent back to England at the Owner's expense. I am informed that an instance of this kind occurred in the case of the Ikbal* belonging to the same Owners as the Inkum* which was recently taken up for coolie conveyance, the European crew of 44 being sent to England at an expense of some £700 to the Owners. It will of course be a very great advantage to these Owners if in the case of the Inkum* they were saved a corresponding expense or have it reduced by the substitution of Board of Trade for ordinary rates. They are probably within their rights in endeavouring to secure this advantage. Whether they will succeed in doing so will no doubt depend on the correctness of the Board of Trade's view that the European crew were bound to proceed to Japan under their articles.
I have the honour to be,
Sir
Your most obedient
Humble servant,
M. Nathan
Governor, &c..