Enclosure *
347
Head Quarters Office,
Hongkong, 18th November, 1904.
1.
4.
7.
At 10.45 A.M. Sub-Lieutenant Fini appeared. The statement marked "A" was read to him, and he stated it was a correct account of what passed.
Sub-Lieutenant Fini said he denied the authority of Major Sexton because he could not be under any Foreign Officer without directions from St. Petersburg. In answer to a question from me he told me it was the "rule of our service" not to acknowledge the authority of any foreign officer without instructions from St. Petersburg.
It was pointed out to Sub-Lieutenant Fini that he had been handed over by the Authorities in London to be dealt with by the Governor and his agents, as a refugee to be interned during the Russo-Japanese war, and that such agents were his Superior officers.
That his application for Leave to go to Shanghai came before me and was not recommended because it was to seek the advice of the Russian Admiral at Shanghai, who had no authority in the matter. Sub-Lieutenant Fini said that this matter was forming the subject of correspondence between the British and Russian Governments.
Sub-Lieutenant Fini was told to distinctly understand that Major Sexton is his Commanding Officer, and that the orders of the Sergeant of the Guard cannot be altered, except that people passed in under written instructions or personal introduction of the Russian officer Commanding the refugees shall be permitted to do so by the Sergeant of the Guard. Sub-Lieutenant Fini was instructed that he is at liberty to make any protest he desires, but while doing so he must obey the officer put over him, and that he is under Military control. He now quite understands his position and has nothing to say against it.
Sub-Lieutenant Fini was told that I understand his protest and consider that his reply to Major Sexton was in the nature of that protest, and not a breach of Military discipline.
Sub-Lieutenant Fini now seemed to understand that his protest having been made, he should take orders from Major Sexton.