181
Portuguese.
482
I.
II.
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The writer who 18 Portuguese Consul in Hongkong, congrat-
ulates the addressee on his nomination as Portuguese Minister of
Marine. He regrets however, that for this reason the addressee
is precluded from returning to Mecac to resume his functions of
Governor of that province, which has now more than ever need of his.
The present administration leaves a great deal to be desired, and
it is imperative for the good name of the Portuguese system of Colonial Administration that changes be made without further delay.
With reference to proposed conscription in Hongkong, the writer complains that the British Authorities wish to keep back their own subjects, and send Portuguese and others to the war.
In his opinion this would be the greatest calamity that could over-| take Portuguese families in Hongkong, of which the majority are
very peor, and would remain without means and abandoned to misery.
The writer says he will defend their interests to the best
of his ability. and in accordance with existing laws and treat-
ies.
He endeavours to show that it is not desirable that the Port-
uguese Government should enter into an agreement with His Majes
ty's Government as to the liability of Portuguese subjects re-
sident in British territory especially in Hongkong where the
number of Portuguese is greater than in any other British Col-
ony,
to serve in the British Army. Portugal has nothing to gain
by such & Convention, while England only wold benefit by it, because it is improbable that they (the Portuguese) could treat
in the same way British subjects resident in Portuguese Colonies.
1
They have moreover, a treaty with England which exempta Port-
uguese from service in the British Army, and, writer adds, it is merely a matter of insisting that this treaty be observed.
He is confident that addressee will once more be the advocate
of the Portuguese community in Hongkong, who are already in-
debted to him for so many great favours, which will never be
forgotten.