CO885-(13-15) — Page 563

15343.

v. Tel.

2.

GOV.

June 2

217.

k

SIR,

No. 179.

(JAMAICA.)

LAW OFFICERS TO COLONIAL OFFICE.

Royal Courts of Justice,

July 9, 1898. WE were honoured with your commands, signified in Mr. Bertram Cox's letter of the 4th instant, stating that he was directed by you to request our opinion with reference to a question raised by the Governor of Jamaica regarding the treatment to be accorded to certain United States Steamers, known as "Press Vessels," which conveyed newspaper correspondents direct to the seat of war, in the event of their applying for coal at a British port; and that Mr. Cox was to transmit to us copies of the correspondence which had passed upon the subject, as noted in the margin.

That it would be seen that, on receipt of the Governor's telegram, an answer was sent to the effect that there seemed no ground, on the statement of circumstances given, for treating these vessels otherwise than as United States Merchant Vessels.

That the further information given in the Governor's despatch having been received, you would be glad if we would advise you whether the vessels in question should be allowed to receive coal as Merchant Ships, or should be subject to the rules as to coaling which applied to belligerent men-of-war.

In obedience to your commands, we have taken the matter into our consideration, and have the honour to

Report-

That, on the facts stated, we think that these vessels should not be subjected to

the rules as to coaling which apply to belligerent men-of-war; they should be allowed to receive coal as Merchant Ships.

We have, &c.,

RICHARD E. WEBSTER.

ROBERT B. FINLAY.

The Right Honourable Joseph Chamberlain, M.P.,

&c.,

&c.,

&c.

16-25-7 98 Wt 2161 DAS

K

-

Reference.—

C.O. 885

14 PUBLIC RECORD OFFICE, LONDON

ALLY WITHOUT PERMISSION OF THE BE REPRODUCED PHOTOGRAPHIC- | COPYRIGHT PHOTOGRAPH—NOT TO