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They note that British consular officers in China have
power to refuse protection to Eritish subjects of Chinese origin but while it may be a question for consideration whether these
persons should continue to enjoy the status of British subjects
they do not think this involves a limitation of the ordinary
right of a British subject to have a vessel owned by him
registered British.
The Board are not certain that they clearly appreciate
the argument in paragraph 3 of the Foreign office letter under
reply; if the suggestion is that some of the owners of vessels
which are on the British register (on the application of people
of Chinese origin who have British nationality) are guilty of
piracies or outrages, the Board are of opinion that there is a
strong case for any action that may be prectionble to keep them
or get them off the register; if, however, the position is that
the diplomatic and consular authorities do not want more ships
on the British register than can be helped, on the ground that
some of the ships owned in the manner indicated will be the
victims of piracies and outrages, and that accordingly
representations to the Chinese authority may have to be made
on their behalf. The Board do not consider that this
constitutes a valid reason for refusing the application of
a person who, as a British subject, claimo registry for his
ship.
I have the honour to be,
etc..
(signed). G.E. Baker.
,00
11/23—M°C) - E 253
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