Immediate & Confidential
The Secretary
56474
(P-24) OCT 04 83
Foreign Office,
20th October 1904.
Sir,
I am directed by the Marquess of Lansdowne to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 15th instant, enclosing a copy of a letter dated 15th August from the Commander-in-Chief, China Station, in which he reports the circumstances under which the Commander of the "Burni" applied for British protection, and the arrangements made for the disposal of the crew.
Subject to the consent of the Colonial Office being obtained, Lord Lansdowne concurs in the view of the Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty that the arms surrendered should be transferred to Hong Kong for custody by the Colonial Authorities until the end of the war.
The list giving the names of the crew of the "Burni" is returned herewith as requested.
I am, etc.
P. A. CAMPBELL
Admiralty.