2. In Lord Crewe's opinion there may be considerable objection to complying with this suggestion. The provisions of the Hongkong Ordinance appear wide and, in their Lordships' view, are only justified by the fact that Hongkong is in close intercourse with the Chinese Empire, with which it is in closest intercourse, and that therefore political disturbances in China, especially South China, silently affect the peace and prosperity of the Colony, while on the other hand, its position renders it peculiarly adapted for a centre from which Muslim agitation in China could be conducted.
These considerations do not apply, or apply only with far less force, to places like the Straits Settlements or the FMS, and the Governor could not quite rely on the Government under his control. These colonies, like any other British Colony or Possession, are...