CO129-362 - Public Offices - 1909 — Page 577

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Minister had been asked to bring pressure to bear, but the Vai Tu Pu would not consent. As a matter of fact permission

was given by this Covernment to engere coolies for Samoa

some time ago, but I was then not aware of all the cirum-

stances which have since come to light, and inview of them

I carnet now agree.

I would in these circumstances very greatly like

to help the Ger an Consul if i could, and if the Viceroy

will.ograe to this one shipment, so that I am absolved

from acting behind the back of the Chinese Government,

while negotiations are pending, I would, I think, agree.

I would again impress upon you the importance, in my opinion, of using such words as shall not convey in any construction that may be properly put upon them) that the Governor of Hongkong, seeks the Viceroy's permission to pass emigrents, or that I have any obligation whatever w to consult his view, the only reason I have desired to refer to him being the fact of the pending nogotiations. If understanding this, and the attitude of the Wai Wu Pu, he can assure me that (looking to the pledges I have obtained on behalf of the coolies, who go as free passengers

not imder contract and will be re-patriated at once if they wish it) no discourtesy will be done by my passing this one shi mont, I should be glad to do so

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on account of the permission first given, and which I have been compelled to cancel in view of the facts which have since come to my knowledge.

P.S.

Sincerely yours,

(Sgd.) F.D. Lugard.

The point ho urges is that the discussion with

the