H.B.M. Consulate -General,"
Canton,
413
sir.
January 18th, 1919.
I have the honour to enclose translation of a despatch
which I have received from His Excellency the Officer Administer-
ing the Government, Hongkong, having reference to the abduction
from Hongkong, waters of the gunboat Kuangli.
I am unwilling to believe that this high-handed act has
been committed in conformity with orders issued by Your Excel lency
and I have the honour to request that the vessel in question be
at once sent back to Hongkong and that a special representative
be deputed to tender an adequate apology to the Colonial Govern-
ment for so grave a breach of international law and the comity of
nations.
It was only due to great selfrestraint on the part of the
Hongkong authorities that the abducting launch was not sunk by
gunfire from the forte, and I hope, that Your Excellency recognie-
ing how serious a state of affairs would thus have been created
will realise how essential it is to take immediate steps to
remove the unfortunate impreseion created. I would request Your
Excellency to be so good as to let me have a reply without loss
of time the matter being one of the most serious importance and
unless promptly settled may have far reaching consequences.
I have, &c.,
(Signed) J.W.Jamieson.
18 Excellency,
The Acting Tuchan of Kuangtung,
&c.,
&C..
&c..