CO129-482 - Public Offices - 1923 — Page 263

Ho.5.

(7 5671/2673/317)

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261

FOʻLIC OFFIOM, S.T.1.

1st June, 1923,

sir.

With reference to your despatch No.4 of April 16th

last, relative to the complains of Mr.X,5,Lan, regarding

the treatment by the French authorities at Saigon of immigranti

of Chinese rase, but British nationality, I am directed by

She Marquees Curson of Kedleston to inform you that the

present arrangement, by which the passports of such persons

are impounded by the immigration officers on their arrival and

returned on their departure, is contrary to the principle

hitherto uphold by His Majesty's Government that British

subjects should in no sirenactances be deprived of their

passports, which constitute in moet sanoen the sole legal proof

of their British nationality ani of their right to claim the

protection of His Majesty's Representatives, and should

consequently be discontinued, provided that there are no losal

considerations of special impertenes from your point of view

which make it advisable to contime it in this particular case.

2. As regards the general treatment of British immigrante

of Chinese rase, it is clear that His Majesty's Government

onanet intervene in the matter, so long as British subjects

are not subjected to any insonsiderate or unreasonable

treatment and I da sacordingly to request that you will

explain the position to Mr.Law, in answer to his letter of

February 5th last, with observations in this so254.

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Your obedient Bervant,

1.Drummond Hogg,*#q.... M.B.E..

Aoting British Consul General,

saigon.

GEORGE MOUNBEY.

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