CO129-454 - Acting Governor Claud Severn - 1919 [4-6] — Page 166

COPY.

Sir,

Enclosure

یر

جسم میم

34009

163

RESE

1. Des Voeux Boad, JUN 19

Hongkong, 11th, March, 1919.

Re Hamilton Libel Actions.

With reference to the conversation between our

Mr. Looker and yourself the other day, we enclose you copies of documents relating to the action against the China Mali. Te

think you will find these copies are all that are material to enable the matter to be fully grasped by the Secretary of State.

It will be remembered that, of the four

English newspapers circulating in the Colony, one of them refused to publish the libel, another one published the apology at once in the form submitted to them and the other two refused to publish

the apology submitted but inserted a paragraph, which will be found amongst the papers now sent, which left matters where they were if it did not actually emphasise them.

We think the documents now sent will serve to

convince the Secretary of State of the nature of the libel and the desirability of instituting proceedings to procure a proper

apology which was ultimately obtained.

The costs incurred amount to roughly $2,500,

but we shall be very pleased to accept 82,000 in satisfaction

thereof.

The Hon. Kr. A. G. H. Fletcher,

Colonial Secretary.

We have etc..

(Sd.) Deacon, Looker, Deacon

and Harsten.