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the Seamen's Union.
16. What action should British Shipping Companies take when the responsible Bureaux refuse
bo function?
17. The Consulate-General refers to the possible death of a Chinesensearcher as an evil chance which would lead to a serious situation but surely the same evil chance could befall the foreign personnel of the ships when engaged in the se searches from men "who are prepared to stop at nothing, not even murder"! We note with pleasure however that he is satisfied that "the Shipping Companies are making a great effort to control this malpractice" and does not support the extraordinary attitude of His Majesty's Consul at Ichang who ex- presses the opinion that British Shipping Companies "could take more effective steps to deal with the question if so disposed" - a statement to which we take the very strongest exception.
The matter is, we are fully aware, of
great moment and it is essential that any measures which can reasonably be enforced should be taken but it is unjust if it is the intention to saddle the Shipping Companies with responsibilities of an International character which in the first place attach to the Chinese Authorities and failing suitable action by them to our own Authoritiess
We shall be glad if you will request His Majesty's Minister to represent to the Chinese Authorities/
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