CO129-326 - Foreign Office - 1904 — Page 492

NOTED FOR REISTER

31105 Foreign Office, 489 Mr. Lucas

We must not leave H.K. to the tender mercies of Russia and the F.O. in this matter. I would therefore send copy to Treas. saying that in these circumstances Mr. L. proposes to instruct the Gov. to present monthly vouched accounts for settlement by T.L. at once.

To Niblett

You should note papers for Mr. Starding, Mr. Collins, and Shank you.

C.P.L. 9/9 I have noted, then

Bath 9/9 imitate.

Sir,

September 6, 1904.

I am directed by the Marquess of Lansdowne to acknowledge the receipt of your letter with enclosures, marked Treas 30588/1904 of the 2nd instant, relating to the internment of the officers and men of the Russian destroyer "Burni".

With regard to the method of repayment by the Russian Government of the expenses which may be incurred by the Government of Hong Kong, I am to request that you will call the attention of the Secretary of State for the Colonies to Article 58 of Section IV of the International Convention signed at the Hague on July 29, 1899, dealing with the internment of belligerents which states that "at the conclusion of peace, the expenses caused by the internment shall be made good".

It is true that the Convention referred to refers only to warfare on land, but it seems probable that by analogy a similar procedure would be held to be applicable to the case.

The Under Secretary of State, Treas

I have not replied. ? Telegraph to Hongkong See 82348 proposed à..). 7769

Colonial Office.

CH 9/9

AlC