COPYO
No. 323.
PEKING,
C 628
37227
3LOUT * September 3rd, 1904.
My Lord:-
I have the honour to enclose copy of a despatch from the Acting British Consul at Swatow, and of its enclosures, asking me for instructions with regard to the registration of steam launches belonging to Companies registered at Hong Kong but of which the capital and membership is mainly or entirely Chinese.
It is one of considerable importance because if any body of Chinese resident in China can acquire the privilege of flying the British Flag on steam launches owned by them as a Hong Kong Company, they may presumably also obtain
The question whether a British Consul is bound to recognise such launches as British is not one that I feel myself competent to decide, and I have, therefore, the honour to request Your Lordship's instructions with regard to it.
The Marquess of Lansdowne, K.G., &c., &c., &c.