W 12340/9736/52
November
17
Sir Miles Lampson,
K.C.M.G., C.B.,
Peking.
Sir,
I have had under consideration your
despatch No. 1098 of July 27th to my predecessor
in which you raise the question of the
recruiting in China of indentured, free and
assisted Chinese emigrants for work in British
possessions, with particular reference to the
complaint made by the Chinese authorities
against Messrs. Gibb, Livingston and Company of
Hongkong.
2.
In making their complaint against the
firm in question the Chinese authorities have,
I observe, invoked the migration Convention
of 1904, which, in m opinion, is inapplicable
in this instance for the following reason.
3.
If it had been the intention of the
parties to the Convent on that it should govern
all recruiting in China of Chinese labourers for
service in British possessions, it would be
difficult to defend its evasion by the adoption
of