CO129-367 - Acting Governor May - 1910 [6-7] — Page 105

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of nationality other than Chinese to persons in any of the

classes above enumerated. This is a matter which seriously

affects a large section of the population of this Colony.

For instance both Dr. Ho Kai, C.M.G., and Mr. Wei Yuk,

C.M.G., belong to class 3. These gentlemen claim that by

taking the oath of allegiance they have formally renounced

their Chinese nationality. Dr. Ho Kai has expressed his

willingness to comply with Rule 1 of the Special Rules

appearing under Chapter V of the Law and he considers that

the rule in question applies to his case. But before I

permit him to do so I shall be glad if Your Lordship

will

communicate to me your wishes in the matter.

I have also to ask for instruct-

-ions as to what action,

if any,

I am to take in the matter

of the continuance of the issue of certificates of birth

for use in China

to persons in classes 1, 2, and 4 who may apply for them,

A

In this connection I may say that it seems very desirable

to induce the Chinese Government to recognise some stage in

descent at which it will withdraw its claim to regard

Chinese born in Hongkong as Chinese subjects.

6.

I have sent a copy of this

Despatch to His Britannic Majesty's Chargé d'Affaires at

Peking.