(7)
sparent that under British Law
voar had a good oldin to
349
ritish nationality, but whether it was desirable and politie
extend to him British pret ection in China, the country of
racial origin, was another question.
he facts of the case into consideration,
However, taking all
I telegraphed to Ħie
jajesty's Consul at Rikatov on Hwy 2nd that 1 van satisfied that
■ claim to be registered se a British subject was valid
nd that the local authorities should be so informed.
Tarly in the present month I received a further dee-
latch on the matter from Wy Kirke, who had in the meantime
bugo saded Mr King in charge of Nia Vajesty'« Consulate at
Iwatow. In this despatch "r Firke reported that, the necessay
lowednications having been made to the local Chinese authori-
Bies, the latter (as was unfortunately to be expected} and re-
fused altogether to admit our claim to protect Yeap as a
fritien subjest and had even proceeded against him and caused
lim to be punished by a fine for fraudulently claiming to be a
Iritish subject; täus producing the usual mbarrassing impasse
Hith which we are now only too familiar resulting from our
laiming to protect as British subjects in China parsons of
hinese origin who are held when in China to be Chinese subjestr