332
staff an English translation, which translation
secretary intimated would be given by Minister to the
press early in the new year,
The despatch contains lengthy legal argumenta
based on the contention that the crime Was one of
banditry and not of piracy and purporting to show
that the case of S. S, "Irene" constitutes a flagrant
instance of disregard of international law and
dictates of humanity". It (ap. ont.) with a protest
against the action of the Supreme Court of Hongkong
in attempting to exercise jurisdiction in Chineso
waters and requests the following actions be taken by
British government.
(a) An expression of regret for violation of
China's territorial sovereignty.
(b) Compensation and indernity in respect of
persons dead or injured, cargo and ship lost or damaged
in the sinking of the "Irene"
(c) Adequate punishment of submarine (L.4.)
(d) Surrender of the seven percons detained in
Hongkong to Chinese authorities for trial.
Despatch leaves December 29th in S. S. Fengtien".