hinese Goverment, having refused to allow enigration 578 to famoa from Chinese ports, ponding the negotiation of a convention destinod to do away with abuses which have un- doubtedly existed in the past, the German Consul is
trying to evade the rohibition by shipping the coulies
from a foreign port, and incidentally shifting the onus
of res onsibility, should the Chinese Government hereaf or
make objections, on to your shoulders. I thin", under the
circumstances, your refusal to permit his shipment is
ontiroly justified.
-
I am afraid I should have some difficulty in
making the Chinese Authorities understand the dirtinction
betweon "free passenzora" and "contract coolies" in thig
case. They would certainly ask *If the coolies, on
arrival, wish to return to China, whom are they so apeal
to ?" There is, as yet, no Chinese Consul in Samoa, and it
seems hardly likely that t'e German Colonia Authorities,
who are no nxious to obtain labour at any kaxx cost,
would do much to facilitate the coolies' return to China.
If the matter in so urgent, cannot coolies he obtained at Tsingtau?.
Yours sincerely,
(Sgd.) · Harry H. Pox.