CO129-515-7 Recruitment of Chinese labour for Sarawak 7-12-1928 - 8-4-1929 — Page 27

Copy of telegram from Tsingtao No. 25 of 29th Nov. 1928.

27

Addressed to Peking No. 25 repeated to Shanghai,

Nanking and Tsinanfu.

1. Spanish Government's scheme to employ Chinese

labourers under contract in Island of Fernando Po.

2. Shantung coblies are being recruited here and it is

proposed to send first shipment of 2,000 including some

women and children from Tsingtao early in December by s.8.

"Kinging" agents of which vessel are Moller and Company

of Shanghai.

3.

Local Chinese Administration is strongly encouraging

and assisting scheme but Nanking Government I am informed

has notified Spanish Legation Peking that recruitment of

Chinese labour for Fernando o is prohibited by Chinese

Government and has also notified Commissioner for Foreign

Affairs in Shanghai and Customs Superintendent of Chinese

Government's attitude and instructed them to take necessary

action if attempt is made to carry out scheme.

4.

Local branch of Cornabe Bokford and Company a

British firm is being employed for selection, engagement,

clothing and shipment of Labourers hundreds of whom have already been collected and housed in prepared godowns

awaiting shipment and will slso undertake provisioning

etc., of vessel when she arrives here. Mr. C.D. Stewart

a local British resident who possesses excellent qualifica-

tions for the purpose has been engaged as Superintendent

for voyage only. Medical Officer engaged for voyage only

is a local American Doctor, D.G. Lew.

5.

In view of Nanking Government's attitude referred

to above have you any instructions for me with regard to

Cornabe Bokford's connection with scheme and perhaps more

particularly with regard to Stewart's engagement.

(Signed)

KING.