BOARD OF TRADE,
MARINE DEPARTMENT,
7, WHITEHALL GARDENS.
LONDON, S.W.
16th December, 1904.
21596.
Sir: -
In reply to your letter of the 22nd ultimo respecting the question of the registry of vessels owned by a Company composed of Chinese Shareholders and Directors but registered in Hongkong, I am directed by the Board of Trade to state, for the information of the Marquess of Lansdowne, that they concur in the action proposed to be taken in the matter, and to point out that it appears to be in accordance with the opinion expressed by the Law Officers of the Crown in July 1901, a copy of which is enclosed.
The enclosures which accompanied your letter are returned.
I have, &c.,
(Signed)
Walter J. Howell.
The Under Secretary of State,
Foreign Office.