Ho.5.
(7 5671/2673/317)
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261
FOʻLIC OFFIOM, S.T.1.
1st June, 1923,
sir.
With reference to your despatch No.4 of April 16th
last, relative to the complains of Mr.X,5,Lan, regarding
the treatment by the French authorities at Saigon of immigranti
of Chinese rase, but British nationality, I am directed by
She Marquees Curson of Kedleston to inform you that the
present arrangement, by which the passports of such persons
are impounded by the immigration officers on their arrival and
returned on their departure, is contrary to the principle
hitherto uphold by His Majesty's Government that British
subjects should in no sirenactances be deprived of their
passports, which constitute in moet sanoen the sole legal proof
of their British nationality ani of their right to claim the
protection of His Majesty's Representatives, and should
consequently be discontinued, provided that there are no losal
considerations of special impertenes from your point of view
which make it advisable to contime it in this particular case.
2. As regards the general treatment of British immigrante
of Chinese rase, it is clear that His Majesty's Government
onanet intervene in the matter, so long as British subjects
are not subjected to any insonsiderate or unreasonable
treatment and I da sacordingly to request that you will
explain the position to Mr.Law, in answer to his letter of
February 5th last, with observations in this so254.
I
Your obedient Bervant,
1.Drummond Hogg,*#q.... M.B.E..
Aoting British Consul General,
saigon.
GEORGE MOUNBEY.
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