(O.C.P.X.)
TELEGRAM
(2.)
from Governor, Hongkong, to Secretary of State, London,
dated the 31st October, 1904.
262
Referring to your telegram of October 15th. South African Mining Companies have temporarily suspended emigration from South China owing to outbreak of beriberi in Transvaal. Local Chinese officials still put obstacles in the way of recruiting except through their agency. Huchow scheme of Chinese official recruiting has produced 150 emigrants of whom one-third are criminals. With regard to this a protest is being sent to the Viceroy. Utilisation of Canton as intermediate port is blocked by Chinese Foreign Office acting on advice of Chinese Minister in London. Hongkong Government is averse to use of Whampoa as direct port of shipment, believing this would be detrimental to interests of Colony and of emigration service to sugar-...
tion. South African Mining Companies' Agent Perry will be shortly visiting Hongkong and I will communicate to you with regard to future action after seeing him. Despatch follows by mail.