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in China and that the action of the Hong Kong Government which is just the reverse shows a complete disregard for Sino-British
international relations. Moreover the portrait of the late Pre- sident according to international costum ought to receuve proper respect; in this case the meeting was forced to take it away before the conclusion of the ceremony, and, what is more, it was intentionally insulted. From the regulations of the Hong Kong Government which you sent to me prohibity meetings and parades it would appear that it rests with one man, namely the Governor, to determine whether a meeting has or has not a seditious nature.
Even a meeting advocating a strike is prohibited. These kind of regulations are not such as can be endured by people of a civilized nation. I would observe that the greater number of the foreign residents in Hong Kong are Chinese so that it is clear that the intention of this law is to deprive Chinese of their rights to speech and of holding meetings. Our Goverment in order to protect Chinese in Hong Kong and to prevent trouble arising between England and China ast of course protest very strongly against these regulations.
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I have, therefore, the honour to request you to write to the Governor of Hong Kong asking him at once to abolish them and in future to prevent unreasonable interference at Chinese meetings as was the case on the 12th instant. I do not want to say one word interfering in the politics of Hong Kong but if the Hang Kon Government desires to oppress our people and does not treat them in the same way as people are treated in London, it is clearly a breach of international usage and I cannot remain silent. I have the honour to request that you will inform the Governor of Hong Kong of the above and favour me with an early reply.
I have etc. etc.,