CO129-501-3 Chinese situation- Protection of British subjects of Chinese race 23-10-1926 - 21-12-1927 — Page 201

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Enclosure No. 8 in Swatow No. 92 of vetober 23. 1926.

The Commissioner for Foreien Affairs to Mr. Consul Kirke.

September 4, 1926.

sir,

Theft from Teo Yee Swee's House.

I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your letter

of the 28th. ult. on the subject of the robbery from Teo Yee

Swee's house, in which you complain that many of the atatement o

in the police report are misleading, while all reference to the

most important points is omitted. You state that you are

only authority competent to grant or withhold permission for

British subjects to possess firearms, and you request that the

articles taken by them from Teo Yee Swee's house may be returned

forthwith.

I have instructed the Chief of Pelion to ascertain whether

any material facts have been glossed over in the report.

With regard to the discovery in Avo Tec Swee's house of

arms and ammunition, I have the honour to point out that in

Section 3 of the new regulation drawn up by the Chinese Govern-

ment respecting the import of arms and ammunition, it is stated

that every respectable foreigner entering China from abroad may

apply for a permit to import for salf-defence 1 revolver and

500 cartridges. Thus a foreigner importing erms for self-

defence must request the Chinese authorities for a permit and

further he may only import 1 firearm and 500 cartridges.

Now Teo Yeo Swee has made no application for an import

permit, and further the mmber of cartridges concealed in his

house was in excess of 500 which clearly shows that he has

broken the regulation. I am therefore unable to comply with

your request to return the arms taken from him.

I have etc.

Commissioner for Foreign Affairs.

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