ASCONFIDENTIAL.
C
26405
REC
REG 1 JUN22
GOVERNMENT HOUSE.
HONGKONG. 12th April, 1922.
388
Sir,
With reference to my Confidential despatch
Eor 20132 of 18th March, I have the honour to forward for your
information a copy of the stenographer's record of the Judicial Enquiry which was held in connection with the shooting of certain Chinese on the Taipo Road near Shatin on the 5th March, 1922.
It was considered that the importance of the case warranted the empanelling of a Special Jury and care was taken that the Jury chosen should be entirely free from all bias by excusing from service any one who had been
in any way connected with the negotiations between the
shipowners and the Seamen's Union. It was also considered
probable that Chinese witnesses might be reluctant to come forward and it was therefore publicly announced that any one who could give evidence should do so and that no steps would be taken against them on the ground of their presence at or participation in the affair.
The verdict of the Jury was one of justifi- -able homicide and it is difficult to see how the finding
could have been otherwise if it is admitted that it is the
duty of a Government to uphold law and order and to take
adequate steps to deal with open flouting and defiance of
its authority.
THE RIGHT HONOURABLE
WINSTON CHURCHILL, M.P.,
ko..
to.
*..
The
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