CO129-220 - Governor Sir Bowen - 1885 [1-3] — Page 438

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I am glad to be enabled to reply to the Honourable gentleman who so worthily represents in this Con el his Chinese countrymen, in a manner which I believe he cannot fail to consider satisfactory. When at the last meeting of Council Honourable friend gave notice of his question, I observed as follows:-

I

may

my

"With reference to the question of which the Honourable gentleman has given notice, mention now that the important matter to which he refers has not escaped my attention. A report on the subject was addressed to the Government by the Police, when I caused an official letter to be addressed to the French Consul. That gentleman has replied that he will make enquiry forthwith, and state the result. Accordingly, when the Honourable gentleman asks the question of which he has given notice at the next meeting of this Council, I shall probably be in a position to afford hiin further information."

I have since received a letter from the French Consul containing a full explanation and expression of regret for the occurrence in question. He states that a misunderstanding arose between the French officers and the European contractor respecting the quality of the coal supplied to the French cruiser Duguay-Trouin, for as a very limited quantity of coal is, in accordance with the instructions of Her Majesty's Government, permitted to be supplied to the men-of-war of the belligerent powers it is necessary to test the quality of the article furnished. Further, the Consul states that he regrets that any incident should have happened in consequence of this misunderstanding to give ground of complaint, and that he has written to the French naval authorities, so as to prevent a recurrence of any incident of a similar nature. He adds that the officer commanding the Duguay-Trouin and the officers of the French navy generally fully recognise the necessity of avoiding all cause of dispute between the French seamen and the Chinese resident in this Colony, and of observing more faithfully than ever, under existing circumstances, the respect due to British sovereignty in the waters of Hongkong. // ‡

glad to

リー

I shall be

learn if Your Lordship approves

the course which I have

felt it

to be my duty, in pursuance of both Imperial and Colonial__ interests, to follow in the matter referred to in this despatch; and

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I

I request that

that your

your decision

be communicated to me by telegraph for my guidance in

future..

436

may

I have the honour to be,

My Lord,

Your Lordship's Most Obedient:

Humble Servant,

5 Bowen.