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to be territorial, I have to protest against the action of the Supreme Court of Hongkong in attempting to exercise
jurisdiction in Chinese waters.
8. In view of the foregoing considerations, I have the honour to request that the following motions be taken
by the British Government:
(a)
An expression of r gret for violation of China's
territorial sovereignty.
(b) ompensation and indemnity in respect of persona
dead or injured, cargo and ship lost or damaged in the
sinking of the "Irene";
(e) Adequate punishment of the commander of the
submarine "1.4";
(a) Surrender of the seven persons detained in Hongkong
the Chinese authorities for trial.
It is needless to add that there is every intention
on the part of the National Government to punish with
the utmost neverity acts of lawlessness such as that perpetrated on the s.s. "Irene", and to clean up bandits mest such as that at Bias Bay at the first opportunity, and that in carrying out such intentions, the legitimate co-operation
of British warships, which have a base at hongkong in the
neighbourhood of the Bay, is not unappreciated. The purposKO
of this despatch is none other than to ensure, even in the pursuit of criminals, that China's territorial sovereignty
shall be respected and that the methods and measures used
in such pursuit shall be reas nable and proper and shall
display due regard for innocent lives and property.
I avail myself of this opportunity to convey to
Your Axcelleney the assurances of my highest consideration.
(Sgd.) Chao-chu da,
Linister of Foreign Affairs.