No.124.
(and 3 copies)
Mr. Brenan to Sir Miles Lampson.
66
H.B.M. Consulate General,
Canton.
Sir,
August 17th, 1928.
I have the honour to enclose a copy of a
letter from the China Navigation Company Limited
presenting a claim against the Chinese Government
in respect of the piracy of their steamer "Tean".
The "Tean" piracy case was reported in my despatch
No. 86 of the 5th June last.
2.
The local agent of the shipping company
consulted with me on the instructions of his
Hongkong office regarding the possibility of
claiming compensation in this case. I showed him
Article XIX of the British treaty of Tientsin which
requires the Chinese authorities to use every endeavour
to capture and punish pirates and recover stolen
property, but makes no mention of compensation, and
also the corresponding article in the French treaty
which expressly absolves them from financial responsibility.
3. I said, however, that His Majesty's Government
had in the past accepted brigandage claims, and I could
not be sure what their attitude would be with regard to a
piracy case. I did not hold out much hope of a favourable
answer, but if the company wished for a definite ruling, I
said I would submit their application to the Legation.
4.. They have asked me to do so, and I accordingly
request your instructions in the matter.
I have etc.,
(Sgd.) J. F. Brenan. Acving Consul-General.
His Majesty's Minister,
Peking.