DY
PRINTED FOR USE
COLONIAL OFFICE
AFRICAN No. 765.
Telegram
Governor Sir M. Nathan to Mr. Lyttelton.
C.O.
57327
3 OCT 04
219
(Received, Colonial Office, 2.11 p.m. 31st October, 1904)
852.897%
Referring to your telegram of 15th October, South African Mining Companies have temporarily suspended emigration from South China owing to outbreak of Beri-beri in Transvaal. Local Chinese Authorities still put obstacles in the way of recruiting except through their Agency. Wuchow scheme of Chinese Official recruiting produced 150 of whom one third criminals with regard to whom protest is to be sent to Viceroy. Utilization of Canton as intermediate port blocked by Chinese Foreign Office acting on advice of Chinese Minister at London.
Government of Hong Kong adverse to use of Whampoa as direct port of shipment believing that would be detrimental to interests of Colony and of little service to emigration. South African Mining Companies' agent Perry expected shortly. I shall communicate with you as to future action after seeing him.
Despatch follows by mail.