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1.
3.
In the meantime the Police went on board the
vessel and warned the passengers of the terms of Government Notification No. 249 of 1908, copy enclosed. The charterer was also informed of the terms of that Notification, and to his Solicitors was addressed a letter under date of the 4th. instant, copy enclosed, intimating that the granting of the Passenger Certificate did not mean that the Indian passengers would be allowed to land.
4.
On the 8th. instant I received the telegram copy enclosed, from Ottawa the contents of which has been com- -municated to those concerned in the despatch of the vessel.
5.
It appears that a Sikh of the name of Gurdit Singh came here about the middle of larch and acting on behalf of a Company or Syndicate called Sri Guru Nanak Steamer Company chartered the "Komogata Maru" for 266,000 for 6 months in order to convey Indians to British Columbia. I enclose translation of a notice issued by Gurdit Singh here and also copy of notes of a conversation which the Colonial Secretary, to whom Gurdit Singh was known formerly in the Federated kalay States, had with that person.
6.
The majority of the Indians who left in the steamer are reported to have come here during the last 2 years with the object of going to the United States of America. They failed in accomplishing that object and have been maintaining themselves here as watchmen and in other civil employment. They are said to be illiterate and of the agricultural class. It is apparently the intention of the charterer to pick up other Indians at Shanghai and Japan.
I have sent copy of this Despatch to the
Governor-General of Canada.
I have the honour to be, sir.
Your most obedient, humble servant,
Amaz
Governor,&o. »
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