CO129-464 - Public Offices - 1920 — Page 506

Copy of Minute Sheet.

1.

494

The Chancery.

Please see letter from Consul at Pameul, dated 26.5.20.

Re the point raised by him. As the Passport System has presumably been introduced to ensure control of persons entering British Territory, and not merely as a source of revenue, it appears to me that any objection should come from the Colony of Hong Kong. But in view of the statement con- tained in the Colonial Secretary's letter that it is impossible to differentiate between Formosane and ordinary Chinese subjects (who do not carry passports) it ia difficult to see how Hong Kong could take any effective steps in the matter.

At the same time, as the practice that the Consul at Tamsui calls attention to cannot be justified and undoubtedly Causeя a loss of revenue, it might be worth while, if you agree,

for you to ask the Japanese Government to communicate with the Governor General of Formosa on the subject.

(Sgd) D. D. Gunn.

H.R.

2.

P.0.0. 10.6.20.

Counsellor. Jan.Sec.

In view of :-

1. Hong Kong does not seem interested.

2. Insistence on passporta would cause great inconvenience particularly as one port of embarkation is 250 milea from the Consulate.

3. Control would not be effective at

Hồng Kong.

4. We cannot seriously. take up the position

that object of passport aystem is to collect revenue.

I think it would be difficult to approach the Japanese Government in the matter. At the same time we ought not to connive at a breach of the regulations. I would, therefore, suggest that Colonel Gunn should submit the matter to the Authorities in England and ask for instructions.

Initialled H.G.

C.E. +

14.6.20.

* The Ambassador.