Copy.
LEE & RUSS,
Solicitors.
The Honourable
Colonial Secretary.
Sir,
Enclosure No. 1.
6 Des Voeux Road Central,
Hong Kong, 29th October, 1927.
Re Watchman's Bill, 1927.
In reply to your letter of yesterday's date, we have
the honour to inform you that we desire leave by Motion to speak by Counsel on the second reading of the Bill relating to Watchmen.
As at present advised, the principal, if not only, points which it is desired to place before the Legislative Council are:-
Discrimination against Indians.
The measure virtually conscripts into the Police Force. Negation of the individual right of bargaining one's services.
(4) Exceptionally arbitrary power conferred upon the Captain
Superintendent of Police:
(5) Total prohibition of the business of money-lending. (6) Power of arrest.
Monetary impositon upon the individual, by making him pay a fee, pay for his uniform, pay (presumably) travelling expenses to and from Ranges, Drill Grounds, etc.
(8) Inroad upon leisure hours for purpose of being trained
on semi-military lines.
(9) Supervision by members of the Indian branch of the
Regular Police.
(10) The entering of "characters" by employers on licences.
We have the honour to further inform you that Mr. F. C. Jenkin has obtained from the Honourable Sir Joseph Kemp a promise to discuss these points in detail with him early next week. We are sending a copy of this letter to the latter gentleman.
Should there be any further information required, we are at your service at any moment.
We have, etc.,
(Sd.) Lee & Russ.