CO129-406 - Public Offices - 1913 — Page 172

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He would, however, inquire into the case of the "Robert

Lebaudy", regarding which he had at present no information. That,

of course, was a perfectly courteous answer, although it would have

been more satisfactory, perhaps, had Sir Edward Grey stated the

circumstances of the attack "as reported by the Governor". The

public, we think, would like to know exactly what the facts are

as found by the Governor, and as much in the Governor's

interests as in those of anyone else, seeing that his

subordinates appear to have dealt with this case in a rather

unfortunate way.

•

The main facts of the incident seen to be very simple.

The "Tai On" is a British steamer, registered at Hong Kong and

trading in Chinese waters. She is commanded by Captain W.

Holmes, and Mr. H. Cornwall is her chief officer. The Chinese

Government, primarily responsible for the maintenance of law

and order, discharge their duties in such a negligent fashion

that the "Tai On" is the subject of piratical attack, with

the result that the officers of the ship are robbed of a large

sum in cash and of their clothing and effects. In the

circumstances they naturally turn to seek the protection of

appears at once to have given in the subsequent case of

the "Robert Lebaudy". Some measure of sympathy, it may

be assumed, they would at least receive,but, so far as may

be inferred from a letter addressed to one of their number,

the authorities at Hong Kong were not even civil to these

plundered men. Here is the communication: -

Kr. H. Cornwall.

Sir,-

Referring to your letter of the 17th instant addressed

to the Honourable A.K. Thomson, I am instructed to inform you

that the Government will take no steps in connexion with

your claim, which they consider is unwarranted, and that

any loss you may have incurred is due to your own imprudence

in carrying so large a sun of money with you on board the

"Tai On".-

Hore Kong.

I have &c.,

(Signed)

Basil Taylor.

Commander R.., Harbour "aster.

The Fr. Thomson referred to in the letter is the

Treasurer of Hong Kong, which, of course, ie a Crown

Colony.

They have curious customs in Crown Colonies, and

one of them appears to be for the Treasurer to send

their own country

-

a protection

which the French Government

appears

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