CO129-503-8 Treatment of Asiatic British subjects by French Authorities in Indo-China 30-12-1926 - 20-10-1927 — Page 24

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IN-FO

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the

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Any communication subject of this letter should be addressed to-

THE UNDER SECRETARY OF STATE, HOME OFFICE,

and the following number quoted :-

506271.

203

nol

Sir,

LONDON, S.W. I,

REOF

HOME OFFICE,

129 JUL 1927 lOOL.OFFICE!

30082

WHITEHALL.

14

24

28th July, 1927.

I am directed by Secretary Sir William Joynson-Hicks

to express his regret for the delay in replying to your

letter of the 22nd February last (30082/27), forwarding

a copy of a despatch from the Governor of Hong Kong relating

to enquiries which have been received from the Consul for

France in the Colony concerning the legal status of certain

British subjects of Chinese race.

Sir William Joynson-Hicks concurs generally in the terms

of the draft replies enclosed with the Governor's despatch,

except that (i) perhaps the last sentence of answer No.2

might be omitted; (ii) the references to "The British Nationality

and Status of Aliens Acts, 1914 to 1918" should read "The

British Nationality and Status of Aliens Acts 1914 to 1922";

and (iii) reference should, he thinks, be made to the fact

that persons of Chinese race who, although they may possess

British nationality by virtue of birth or naturalization in

Hong Kong, nevertheless also possess or retain Chinese

nationality in the eyes of Chinese law, would not be accorded

protection when in Chinese territory by the British Government

or its representatives in the event of any claim on them

being made by the Chinese Authorities. I am to suggest, for

Mr. Secretary Amery's consideration, that the views of the

Foreign Office should be obtained on this point.

Perhaps also reference should be made to the necessity

of proving birth in Hong Kong.

The Und er Secretary of State,

Colonial Office.

A/