CO129-360 - Public Offices - 1909 — Page 259

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to mo that the case must now be dealt with by the Portugueso

Consul-General.

He would, however, although he possessod

no jurisdiction over the nationals of other countries, do

all in his power to assist in arriving at a satisfactory

settlement of the case.

Now there is no question that since the incident

arose its investigation has been conducted by both foreign

und Chinese officials in strict accordance with the pro-

vision of the Treaties.

It has come to my knowledge, however, that certain

newspapers and commercial muilds have been fostering public

mistrust and suspicion, and before tho ætter has been

decided, have paid head to idle gossip and paszod exaggerate

and misleading criticians on the case. This is certainly

very reprehensible, and I have already instructed the Tastai

of Constabulary to take prompt measures and inquire into the

matter. It is further my duty to issue a proclamation

ombodying a full report of the case.

This notification is now issued to remind editofre

of nowspapers, merchant guilds and the relatives of the

deceased