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Kong,but the first question which arises is naturally as
to the willingness of Japan to assent to the extension of the scope of their draft Article. It appears to the
Board, however, that in view of the exceptional position
of Hong Kong, both geographically and in relation to its
trade and intercoursewith China there is every reason for
endeavouring to include in the Convention provisions
fully protecting its interests. They fear, however, that
if Japan consents it will only be on condition of an
assurance being given that the legislation and practice
of the Colony is identical with that of the United Kingdom,
and I am to inquire whether this is the case and if not
whether the Colonial Government would be prepared if the
Japanese insist on this condition to introduce the necess-
ary alterations under both heads.
The second question is with regard to the attitude
of the Colonial Office as representing the Colonies gener- ally respecting the extension of the Convention to Hong
Kong alone. The Board are disposed to think that in view of what has already been said as to the exceptional
position of Hong Kong, and of the small amount of inter-
est which the other Dominions and Possessions of the
United Kingdom might be expected to take in such a Con-
vention as that under consideration this point might be ignored, but they would be reluctant to advise the Foreign
Office to this effect without the concurrence of your
Department.
I am accordingly to ask you to be good enough to
gove Lord Crewe to give his consideration to the foregoing
observations and to cause the Board to be favoured at an
early date with his views thereon.
I have the honour to be, Sir,
Your obedient Servant,
Ger J. Stanley.