C.O. 37227 634
HIS BRITANNIC MAJESTY'S CONSULATE,
SWATOW,
28th June, 1904.
S1 OCT 04
;
Gentlemen:
-
I beg to acknowledge your letter forwarding copy of a letter from Messrs. Deacon, Looker and Deacon with reference to the Swatow Kityang Chowyang Launch Company.
I am not even prepared to assent to the contention that the Launches are entitled to fly the British Flag under the Merchant Shipping Act of 1894, being by no means satisfied that the Company can be correctly described as "having its principal place of business in Her Majesty's Dominions".
The articles of association however embrace a wider scope, the acquisition of land and buildings in China for example.
Under these circumstances therefore I must be satisfied that the conditions I mentioned to Mr. Forbes at a personal interview have been complied with before granting British protection to the Company.
These condi-
Messrs. Jardine Matheson and Company,
Swatow.
tions