CO129-481 - Governor Sir Stubbs - 1923 [8-12] — Page 213

سات

Enclosure !.

208

With regard to the "Kwang Lee" incident, the Government of Hongkong makes the following proposal, in the hope that the matter may be finally settled to the mutual satisfaction of itself and of the Canton Authorities.

The Canton Authorities will send the S.$. "Kwang Lee" back to Hongkong, with a suitable expression of regret. The Government of Hongkong will thereupon send to Canton the S.88. "Kwang Lee", "Iwang Kung", "Kwang Kang" and any other vessel belonging to the Canton Naval fleet. With regard to certain Salt Revenue Boats which were recently in Hongkong Harbour, these have been placed at the disposal of Mr. Parsons, Surveyor for the Salt Gabelle. If any of these are claimed by the Canton Authorities, the Government of Hongkong will enquire into the matter forthwith, If they are found to be in the same category as the vessels of the Canton Naval fleet, they will be returned to Canton,

The Canton Government expresses its regret that

an officer of a subordinate department should have taken upon himself without authority to remove the 8.3. "Kwang Lee" from Hongkong waters.

(3d.) M. Fletcher,

Acting Colonial Secretary

of Hongkong.

23rd April, 1919.