ļ
N°
263
HONGKONG.
GOVERNMENT HOUSE,
9th. September, 1918.
I have the honour to inform you that on the
14th, March, 1917, the 8.S. "Kochow" was the scene of a piracy on the West River and the Captain, a British Subject, was shot, with the result that he lost the sight of his right eye.
Representations were made through His Kajesty's Consul-General at Canton but the Civil Governor repudiated any liability under the treaties to grant any compensation to the Master of the ship.
The China Coast Officers Guild also took the matter up without result and in view of representations made to me, I have authorised the grant of $500 to Mr. Jones, the Master of the ship, and I shall be glad to receive your covering authority for this grant.
A small contribution has also been received
from the community collected by the Hongkong Club.
The total amount subscribed together with the: grant from this Government is very small, amounting in all to $989,
and is quite inadequate compensation for the injuries sustained but I cannot see any possibility of obtaining any redress from the
Canton Authorities.
THE RIGHT HONOURABLE
WALTER LONG, H. P.,
&c...
&C..
I have the honour to be, Sir,
Your most obedient, humble servant,
Governor, &c..