CO129-486 - Public Offices - 1924 — Page 320

419.

0794/10794/323),

Sir,

FOREIGN OFFICE, S.V.1.

3rd November, 1923,

317

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I received Mr. Palairet's despatch No.455 of the 29th August last, transmitting a copy of a despatch from His Majesty's Consul at Tamsui regarding the national status of certain descendants of one Yeap Thean Lye, a matter which formed the subject of the comprehensive memorandum enclosed in the Foreign Office despatch No.309 of 10th August, 1922.

2. As observed in that memorandum the questions of law arising in this connection are of a difficult nature, and it is felt that unless and until circumstances arise such as

to compel their further consideration it would be best, as a matter of practical policy, to follow the suggestions made in

These the memorandum for dealing with individual cases. suggestions put briefly, were to the effect that while the registration in Japan of British subjects of Chinese origin should in general be discouraged, yet registrations already made, or dependent on those already made, should be maintained unless challenged, when they would have to be

Fresh registrations should reconsidered on their merits.

however only be sparingly accorded.

3. In the present case it appears that members of the family have already been registered as British subjects for many years past. It would be in accordance with the foregoing Buggestions to continue such registration, which does not

In the appear to be challenged by the local authorities. circumstances therefore I see no objection to this course being followed, which will moreover avoid any hardship to persons who have been treated as British subjects and have

Excellency

The Right Honourable

been

etc..

Sir C. lot, G.C.M.G., C.B..

etc..

etc.