CO129-508-4 Cases of attacks by pirates 6-11-1927 - 23-11-1928 — Page 219

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to be territorial, I have to protest against the action of the Supreme Court of Hongkong in attempting to exercise

jurisdiction in Chinese waters.

8. In view of the foregoing considerations, I have the honour to request that the following motions be taken

by the British Government:

(a)

An expression of r gret for violation of China's

territorial sovereignty.

(b) ompensation and indemnity in respect of persona

dead or injured, cargo and ship lost or damaged in the

sinking of the "Irene";

(e) Adequate punishment of the commander of the

submarine "1.4";

(a) Surrender of the seven persons detained in Hongkong

the Chinese authorities for trial.

It is needless to add that there is every intention

on the part of the National Government to punish with

the utmost neverity acts of lawlessness such as that perpetrated on the s.s. "Irene", and to clean up bandits mest such as that at Bias Bay at the first opportunity, and that in carrying out such intentions, the legitimate co-operation

of British warships, which have a base at hongkong in the

neighbourhood of the Bay, is not unappreciated. The purposKO

of this despatch is none other than to ensure, even in the pursuit of criminals, that China's territorial sovereignty

shall be respected and that the methods and measures used

in such pursuit shall be reas nable and proper and shall

display due regard for innocent lives and property.

I avail myself of this opportunity to convey to

Your Axcelleney the assurances of my highest consideration.

(Sgd.) Chao-chu da,

Linister of Foreign Affairs.