COPY.
(4.)
507
: TELEGRAM
From the Governor, Hong Kong, to the Secretary of State, London,
dated 28th August, 1904.
Referring to your telegram of August 26th.
Harbour Master on being applied to by Master "Inkum" pointed out that as men's agreement did not disclose nature of service they could not be dealt with for refusal of duty. This practically amounted to refusal of summons and there were no further proceedings. Case then referred to Attorney-General who concurred generally in Harbour Master's view adding that each future case arising must be considered on its merits and determined inter alia by the terms of the agreement under which the men shipped and by the character of the agreement itself. Officer Administering the Government then endorsed action of Harbour Master. For "declined to entertain charge" should be substituted for words "declined to convict" in Officer Administering the Government's telegram of July 28th and my Despatch of August 2nd.