TAA
97
Enclosure Nr 1 in fir J. Jordan's N:46 of January 23 th Emigration of Chinese in British vessels to foreign countries:
desirability of permitting.
Mr Camel Bady to his J. Jordan. 70/83 M.
Triplicate.
General Series,
No 2.
C. 0.
98448
MAR 9 1907) \REGE 19 MAR 07.
H.B.M.Consulate,
Chefoo, January 10th,1907.
Ree?
"
19th
1.
sir,
In the spring of last year, while I was in charge of
His Majesty's Consulate at Foochow, Mesars. Dodwell & Co.,a
British firm, chartered the British steamer "Powhatan" to take
emigrant coolies from China to Mexico. The coolies being all
under contract, and moreover destined for a foreign country,i.e
a country other than a British possession, the question arose
whether or not such a vessel was justified under the circum-
stances in engaging in the traffic. As I had had no previous
experience in Emigration business, I decided before taking any
responsibility in the matter, to place myself in communication
with the Hongkong Government, it being under the provisions
of the Hongkong Ordinances, as well as the Chinese Passengers
Act,1855, that emigration from Chiness ports in British ver-
sels is conducted. I was informed by the Colonial Secretary
that British vessels were only privileged to take contract
Sir John N.Jordan, K.C.HM.G.
Hie Majesty's Minister,
Peking.
labourers