34
We
particular Chinese labourers have apparently been
recruited in Shantung we are not very clear at
present how any British authority comes into the
matter. It seems to us a case in which, if possible,
the Hong Kong authorities should neither encourage
nor discourage participation by British ships.
shall thus avoid responsibility for the venture
and also avoid offending the Spanish Government.
question is however, one on which we feel unable to
write officially until we know how far the permission
of the Officer Administering the Government of Hong
Kong would, in fact, be necessary before British ships
could engage in the traffic. I understand that the
The
Colonial Ofiice are already telegraphing to Hong Kong
on this point.
We would like, of course, to know as soon as
possible what we may reply to the Spanish Embassy.
yours
evely
مد
R
e