CO129-380 - Governor Sir Lugard - 1911 [9-10] — Page 340

As regards the second condition Mr.Harcourt

is advised that there is a difference of

practice among European nations, and that it

might be well to agree to allow the children

to exercise an option as to their nationality:

the point seems to be one for discussion with

China.

9. With regard to the suggestion that

the children of naturalised parents should not

be allowed to claim the benefits of both

nationalities, I am to observe firstly that

this restriction should apply to all persons

of Chinese race who possess, by British or

Chinese law, a dual nationality: and, secondly,

that, so far as Mr.Harcourt is aware, any

friction that may have arisen with the

Chinese authorities has usually been due to

the fact that British subjects of Chinese race

have been desirous of passing as Chinese sub-

jects until they have come into conflict with

the Chinese authorities and that they have not

claimed protection as British subjects unless

335

they have put themselves in danger of

Chinese law.

10.

While Mr.Harcourt fully

recognises that if persons of Chinese

race desire to be regarded as British

subjects, they should accept any dis-

actail abilities which that status may ee86

uppy t

them while in China, he is of opinion

that it would not be wise to agree

definitely to the Governor's suggestion,

since it appears to him that the

matter is one for discussion during

any negotiations which may take place.

Generally speaking, he is inclined

to think that His Majesty's Government

should be prepared to negotiate on a

(in the past mistance.

basis of assertingte the full their

claim to extend protection to persons

who are British subjects even if they

have no bona fide intention of retain-

ing a Colonial domicile, and even if

they

they