9
8
2. I accordingly addressed to you on the 12th instant a telegram in the following word:-
"Referring to my telegram, 10th February, if any belligerent ships take coal, neighbouring British ports on line of route should be informed by telegram as well as Secretary of State for Colonies," and I shall be glad if you [
] will give the necessary directions to ensure other British ports being notified by telegraph at the same time as you notify me.
3. I have to request also that, when recording any telegrams addressed to me under this Rule, you will state to what other ports, if any, you have thought it necessary to send the information by telegraph.
I have, &c. .
17070.
No. 7.
NATAL
ALFRED LYTTELTON.
MR. LYTTELTON TO ACTING Governor SiR H. BALE,
(Sent 5-25 P.M., May 17, 1904.)
TELEGRAM.
In answer to your telegram 13th May, No. 2, belligerent ships mean only national vessels belonging to either belligerent. Information respecting merchant vessels not required.
27911.
No. 10.
MR. LYTTELTON TO GOVERNORS AND HIGH COMMISSIONERS.*
(Circular.)
.
SIR,
Downing Street, August 9, 1904. WITH reference to my Circular despatch of the 12th of February last,f respecting the rules for the observance of the duties of neutrality during the existing state of war between Russia and Japan, I have the honour to inform you that I have this day caused a telegram to be dispatched to you, of which the following is the decode :-
"My telegram of 10th February. Rules for observance of neutrality published in the London Gazette' of 11th February lay down in Rule 3 to what extent coal might be supplied to belligerent war ships in British ports during the present war. It must be however borne in mind that reason for practice of admitting belligerent vessels of war into neutral ports arises out of exigencies of life at sea and the hospitality which it is customary to extend to vessels of friendly Powers, and that this principle does not extend to enabling such vessels to utilise neutral port directly for purposes of hostile operations. His Majesty's Government have decided that rule above mentioned is not to be understood as having any application to case of belligerent fleet proceeding either to the seat of war or to a position or positions on the line of route with the object of intercepting neutral ships on suspicion of carrying contraband of war.
Such fleet cannot be permitted to make use in any way of a British port for purposes of coaling, either directly from the shore or from colliers accompanying fleet whether vessels of the fleet present themselves at the port at the same time or successively.
"His Majesty's Government further direct that the same practice be pursued with reference to single belligerent vessels of war if it is clear that they are proceeding for purposes of belligerent operations as above defined. This is not to be applied to the case of vessels putting in on account of actual distress at sea."
25184 S.
No. 8.
CEYLON; STRAITS SETTLEMENTS; HONG KONG.
(Paraphrase.)
MR. LYTTELTON TO THE GOVERNORS.
(Sent 7:12 P.M., July 14, 1904.)
TELEGRAM.
SHOULD Russian steamer belonging to Volunteer Fleet apply for permission to coal you are to refuse supplies and to refer home for instructions at once; you should in so doing give fullest particulars available.
25184 S.
No. 9.
27984.
No. 10A.
I have, &c.
ALFRED LYTTELTON,
STRAITS SETTLEMENTS.
GOVERNOR SIR J. ANDERSON TO MR. LYTTELTON. (Received 12:46 P.M., August 10, 1904.)
(Paraphrase.)
TELEGRAM.
[Answered by No. 16.]
REFERRING to your Secret despatch of 15th July.§ Is it recognized by His Majesty's Government that a Russian Volunteer vessel may enter a colonial port as a merchantman, take a cargo on board of warlike material and armament, and when immediately outside colonial waters can claim to be a commissioned vessel? We have no means of ascertaining the nature of the cargo taken on board. Unless we are assured that a vessel claiming to be a merchant-vessel will not alter her character until a Russian port is reached, I submit that it is my duty to search her and also all cargo put on board here, in order that a breach of the Foreign Enlistment Act avoided.
may
be
† No. 2.
$ 24499: not printed.
‡ No. 1.
CEYLON; STRAITS SETTLEMENTS; HONG KONG,
(Paraphrase.)
(July 18.)
MR. LYTTELTON TO THE GOVERNORS. (Sent 5 P.M., July 18, 1904.)
TELEGRAM.
'
My telegram of 14th. You should also, pending further instructions, refuse coal or supplies to "Malacca," or to any other British or foreign merchant ships which have been taken as prizes by vessels of the Russian Volunteer Fleet.
• To all Maritime Colonies and Protectorates.
* 17070: not printed.
† No. 8.
I
[1185]
C
سل سلسا
PUBLIC RECORD OFFICE
Reference :-
885
9 PUBLIC RECORD OFFICE, LONDON
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