CO129-362 - Public Offices - 1909 — Page 572

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e No.

in Mr. Fox's Mo. 82, Ceneral Series, of July

1909.

21711

570

2132

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Fe 29 SEP OC

Government House,

AUG 23 1909,

Hongkong, July 9th. 1909.

sir,

With reference to the Vice Consul's memorandum No. 57 of the 29th. ultimo, the German Consul informs me that he has already collected through an agent hore some 500 coolice for Samoa and asks my authority for their shipment. He undertakes in the name of the Samoan Government that any coolie, who, on arrival, may not wish to enter into a contr ct, shall bo repatriated at the expense of the agent by the same ship by which he came. He points out that he desired to appoint an agent at Hongkong instoud of, begand

1

0.0

heretofore at Swatow, before the firm in Hongkong (osars Wandt and Company) are of higher rtanding than those who had acted in "watow. He assures me that there is no

question as to their good treatment.

I understand that Dr. Schultz, Chief Justice of Samoa, has lately been in negotiation with the Viceroy of Canton on this subject, and he assures mo that His Excellency offers no objection to the onlistment of the men and has recommended the matter to Peking. It appears to me, however, that in view of the fact that Dr. Schultz claims to represent the German Government, and is about to proceed to Peking to negotiate a treaty on this subject, I can only consider that the question is one which is now discussion between the two Coverments, and that, were I to

interfore

B.. Ad ing Consul-General,

Shamcon,

Canton.