(COPY)
No.38.
No. 12.
sir.
C. O.
10285
Rece
fted 24 MAR 06.
B.V. Consulate-General, 229
Canton, 12th. February, 1908.
With reference to the coal seized by the Viceroy, I have
the honour to forward herewith translation of his last reply, in
which he merely argues about discrepancies between Fung Wa Chun's
accounts and statement, and the books of the Coal Depot in his
possession.
I telegraphed the substance of the Viceroy's reply to B.V.
Minister, and received an answer stating that he has requested the
Wai Nu Pu to specifically instruct the Viceroy to hand over the coal
Lo me; and to inform him, that if he have any claim on the coal, he
can adopt the usual procedure in British Courts,
As Your Excellency will see, the Viceroy in his letter
requests that Fung's native Accountant, Kuang Hsun-Chú, be sent to
Canton to be cross-examined in respect to Fung's accounts. The
Viceroy's Secretary has also approached me personally on this point;
but I informed him that I do not consider it possible on the part of
the Hongkong Government to comply with such a request, for wilnesses
in Chinese courts are treated as prisoners; and that the utmost he
can expect is an affidavit taken in Hongkong.
I beg to enclose paraphrase of telegrams to and from
Peking on the subject for Your Excellency's information.
His Excellency
Sir Watthew Nathan, K.C.V.G.
Governor, ic. Bongkong.
↓
I have, etc.
Sd,
James Scott,
Consul-General.