CO129-417 - Public Offices - 1914 — Page 532

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that, when it is sought to engage native seamen in these colonies it should be made a condition of the engagement that an undertaking should be given, by the insertion of a stipulation in the agreement, to repatriate the seaman if his engagement terminates at any port outside the

colony, and especially if it terminates in the United Kingdom.

I am therefore to suggest for Mr. Harcourt's con-

sideration that an inquiry might be addressed to the authorities at Hong Kong and Singapore as to whether any

steps can be taken, either under the existing law, or by an

amendment of the law, to secure the repatriation of Chinese

engaged in these colonies to serve on British ships,

whether on an agreement opened in the colony or under a

current agreement opened elsewhere.

8.

I have the honour to be,

Sir,

Your obedient Servant.

27 marwood