CO129-287 - Public Offices & Others - 1898 — Page 392

2

COLOMBIA.

Report.

In our opinion the principle ought not to be recognized that foreigners, by registering themselves here as a Limited Company, are entitled to claim from Her Majesty's Government the protection afforded to British subjects in foreign countries.

We think that, in each case, the substance of the matter must be looked at, and the nature of the business which is being in fact carried on by the Company.

No hard and fast line can, in our judgment, be laid down as to the amount of British interest which would entitle a Company to British protection.

We advise that Messrs. Harries, Wilkinson, and Raikes should be informed that Her Majesty's Government cannot undertake in any way to protect the commercial operations or property of their clients, and that the proposed purchases must be made, if at all, entirely on their own responsibility.

Royal Courts of Justice,

December 13, 1895.

(Signed)

RICHARD E. WEBSTER. ROBERT B. FINLAY.

DRAFT.

Hongkong

Couls

0.A.G

MINUTE.

7.0 22443

1. Macuaghten 10/10

Mr Wilson

3r. Sin W. Hamilton 2.1

Mr. Cox. 21

Mr. Lucas.

Mr. Graham.

Mr. Wingfield. 24

Earl of Selborne.

Mr. Chamberlain.

altired fr

98

Hong Kong

Indexed

conrow

ser Manuctes on 22647

Sir,

383

тв 26 October 98

I have the honour

t

ach; the receipt of your infore you that gifs Despatch Confidential Despatch for Forege Affine has recently

of the 5th alte

communi caken with

HM's Minister taking

relative to the

question whether

Companies promoted by Chinese

subjecti

by registering

themselves as British Caufanies

in Hongkong claim the partiction

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