CO129-359 - Governor Sir Lugard - 1909 [12] — Page 361

ཚད

(

353

Kong,but the first question which arises is naturally as

to the willingness of Japan to assent to the extension of the scope of their draft Article. It appears to the

Board, however, that in view of the exceptional position

of Hong Kong, both geographically and in relation to its

trade and intercoursewith China there is every reason for

endeavouring to include in the Convention provisions

fully protecting its interests. They fear, however, that

if Japan consents it will only be on condition of an

assurance being given that the legislation and practice

of the Colony is identical with that of the United Kingdom,

and I am to inquire whether this is the case and if not

whether the Colonial Government would be prepared if the

Japanese insist on this condition to introduce the necess-

ary alterations under both heads.

The second question is with regard to the attitude

of the Colonial Office as representing the Colonies gener- ally respecting the extension of the Convention to Hong

Kong alone. The Board are disposed to think that in view of what has already been said as to the exceptional

position of Hong Kong, and of the small amount of inter-

est which the other Dominions and Possessions of the

United Kingdom might be expected to take in such a Con-

vention as that under consideration this point might be ignored, but they would be reluctant to advise the Foreign

Office to this effect without the concurrence of your

Department.

I am accordingly to ask you to be good enough to

gove Lord Crewe to give his consideration to the foregoing

observations and to cause the Board to be favoured at an

early date with his views thereon.

I have the honour to be, Sir,

Your obedient Servant,

Ger J. Stanley.