Confidential
(b
Copy
Sir,
C.O.
5647481
1- 24 OCT 0/
Commander-in-Chief, China Station,
August 1904.
15th
1:- 854
In confirmation of my telegram No.122 of the 12th instant, I have the honour to report for the information of the Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty that on the 12th instant, at 5 p.m., Lieutenant and Commander Tirkov of the Russian Torpedo Boat Destroyer "Burni", arrived at Weihaiwei, having marched with the other Officers and men under his command from the neighbourhood of the Shantung Promontory, and surrendered himself and crew to me.
He reported that whilst in a fog, and running away from some Japanese Destroyers, his vessel had been wrecked by running ashore at 3 a.m. on the previous day (11th August). I informed Lieutenant and Commander Tirkov that if he gave himself up to me he would be interned until the end of the war. He replied that he understood that would be the effect of his action, and that he still wished to place himself under the protection of the British Government.
+
The Secretary
2.-
The Officers and crew, of whom I enclose a nominal list, were then sent on board the "Number", which was about to proceed to Hong Kong, and on receipt of their Lordships' telegram approving my suggestion as to their disposal, the "Number" was despatched to Hong Kong, and the Commodore was directed by telegraph to arrange for the internment of the Officers and Crew, pending further directions from the Admiralty, and to communicate with the Colonial Government on the subject.
ADMIRALTY.
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