CO129-287 - Public Offices & Others - 1898 — Page 419

لسنه:-

takes their jurisdiction over property, which is to

all intents and purposes Chinese, out of their hands.

In view of the conflicting legal opinions which

have been expressed, and the many complications and

conflicts of jurisdiction which are certain to arise,

I venture to ask you to reconsider the question.

Should you decide that the matter is one for

reference to the Secretary of State, I suggest that,

in the case of Companies registered in Hongkong but

whose principal place of business is in China,

Con-

suls be instructed, before affording British protec-

tion to the business of the Company, to demand such

proof as may appear satisfactory:- (1) that a pro-

portion of (?) per cent of the capital is British:

(2) That the Managers or Secretaries of the Company

in China be British.

I do not think such conditions would in any

way interfere with British trade

On the contrary,

inducements would be offered by them for the advan-

tageous investment of British Capital and the employ-

ment

410

employment of respectable British Subjects in posi-

tions of trust.

I have, &c.,

(Signed) R.W. Mansfield,

Consul.