CO129-613-6 Arrest of members of the Kwang Tung Provincial Peace Preservation Corps 10-1-1947 - 25-11-1947 — Page 45

COPY

6251/45TS

20th February, 1947.

45

sir,

I am directed to refer to your memorandum 36/322

of 12th February, and to the discussion which took place this morning between Mr. Wu of your office, Mr. Kwong Fai Nam and Mr. Holmes of this Secretariat on the subject of the detention of the two members of the Kwangtung Peace Preservation Corps who were recently charged with armed robbery.

This matter is still under investigation. The

evidence now in the hands of the Police indicates that there will be a case for the two men at present in custody to answer in the courts. Mr. Nu was understood to inform Mr. Holmes that according to information in his possession the Peace Preservation Corps guards were carrying out an anti-smuggling patrol at sea and had inadvertently entered British waters in pursuit of a sampan which they wished to search when they were attacked by a junk. No evidence in support of this version of the incident has so far come into the hands of the Police. Any such evidence which there may be will no dogbt be produced when the case comes up for trial. In the meanwhile I am to inform you that in view of the serious nature of the charge it is regretted that it is not possible to consider the withdrawal of the charge or the release of the two men.

When the case next comes up before the Kowloon Magistracy it will of course be open to the men to apply to be released on bail but it should be understood that in cases of this nature it is generally considered that there are good grounds for the Police to oppose the application.

With regard to the weapons which were handed over to the Police as a result of the incident in question, it is understood that these form material evidence in the case and must be retained as exhibita until the case has been heard.

The Secretary,

I am, Sir,

Your obedient servant,

(signed) P.C.M. SEDGWICK.

p. Colonial Secretary.

office of the Special Commissioner for Kwangtung & Kwangsi,

Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, HONG KONG

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