CO129-422 - Governor Sir May - 1915 [5-6] — Page 369

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PARAPHRASE

TELEGRAM. The Governor of HongKong to the Secretary

25 MAY 15]

vate for

the Colonies.

(Received Colonial Office 1.2 p.m. 25th May, 1915.)

May 25th.

I submit following for your instructions on the urgent representations of the General Officer Commanding. Hakon Schluter a British subject who is resident at Canton but has been in the habit of visiting HongKong for the purpose of assisting in the liquidation of Reuter Brocklemann has recently been denied access to Colony by me for the reason that he was suspected of evading the censorship. A press copy of a letter signed by him stating that he had been habitually carrying uncensored letters out of the Colony was found in private property which had to be sent to him at Canton. There is no evidence except this letter which gives no date for the offence. General Officer Commanding has asked

that steps be taken under the Fugitive Offenders Ast to secure the rendition of the accused from Canton. I am advised that it is extremely doubtful whether the evasion of the censorship constitutes an offence against the Army Act and that conviction, even if obtained before a Court Martial, would be probably quashed by Habeas Corpus. It is in my opinion extremely undesirable to embark on a prosecution which would probably result in failure and in the discussion of the censorship in open Court. I propose therefore to take no action; but I submit matter to you as the General Officer Commanding is not satisfied.

MAY.