Registry No. 37459/13.
that a Government like that of Hong Kong should know that
the protection of the person and the property of Pritish
subjects is not wholly dependent upon its caprice, or the
very imprudent views it may entertain about other people's
imprudence.
Draft.
he Imperial Merchant Service
Guild.
Gentlemen:-
28000
173
Res Rest 21 AUG 13
F. O..
August
1913.
Your letter of the 12th. instant
relative to the case of piracy on board the
British Steamship "Tai on" has been laid
before Secretary Sir E. Grey.
I am to point out to you that
the attack on the "Tai on" was carried out
by a gang who embarked on the vessel and
smuggled arms on board in Hong Kong territory
and that consequently no grounds are apparent
upon which a claim could be made against the
Chinese Government.
With regard to the case of the
French steamer "Robert Lebaudy" in which
compensation is being claimed by the French
Government, the pirates embarked in Chinese
territory