44
6 -
photographs, could be sent to the proper Chinese authori ties. The rights of British citizenship in China should be deemed to accrue only as from the date of registration
but as from such date the registered person should be
regarded by both Nations as a British subject with all
the rights and privileges, and subject to all the dis-
abilities conferred and imposed by treaties and conven-
tions between the two Nations on a British subject in
China; and, further, without prejudice to the rights
of the executive in dealing with any matter which has to
be dealt with by the executive, to act, "with due con-
sideration of the circumstances"
Memorandum.
see para. 7 of this
13. To give an example of a disability imposed upon
a registered British subject of Chinese race under this
arrangement if the existing conventions prohibit a
British subject from owning land in China other than in
the Treaty ports, a registered British subject of Chinese
race will be subject to the same prohibition.
14. It is the opinion of those whom we have consulted
on the subject, that if arrangements similar in principle
to those we have advocated were adopted, so that no
Chinese in China would receive protection from Great
Britain as a British subject unless he had publicly and
definitely declared his allegiance to the British Crown,
very few Chinese in Hong Kong, in proportion to its
Chinese population, would be likely to apply for such
registration. In that way the Chinese authorities would in effect attain their object, namely, the right to
exercise jurisdiction in China over a large number of Chinese born in British possessions, as Chinese subjects jus sanguinis. On the other hand, such British subjects
who,
No comments yet.
Private notes are available after approval.