30808-1913-Correspondence-re-contracts-for-arms-and-ammunition-and-provincial-foreign-loans — Page 1

THE HONGKONG GOVERNMENT GAZETTE, MAY 30, 1913.

233

No. 168.--The following correspondence is published for general information.

A. M. THOMSON,

Colonial Secretary.

30th May, 1913.

Circular. No. 12.

From His Majesty's Minister to Mr. Jamieson.

May 12th, 1913.

SIR,With reference to my Circular No. 2 of January 24th last, I transmit to you herewith translation of a further Memorandum from the Wai Chiao Pu concerning contracts for the purchase of munitions of war.

You will observe that evidence of the consent of the Minister of War is required to render legal any such contracts.

*

I would request you to bring this communication to the notice of British merchants residing within your district.

I am, &c.,

Translation.

Memo.

J. N. JORDAN.

May 7th, 1913.

ì

The Wai Chiao Pu have the honour to inform H.M. Minister that the following letter has been received from the Ministry of War :-

Owing to the fact that there were no limits placed on the purchase of arms, which was going on promiscuously, two abbreviated rules for the purchase of arms were made and, on the 18th December of last year, published for observance by the various provinces and military forces; the rules were also inserted in the Gazette of the 21st of that month. Information has now been received that foreign merchants at various places are continuing their illegal sales of arms and ammunition, even including large quantities of rifles and guns, etc.; farther, that arrangements have been made before- hand for this war material to be handed over outside port limits, in order that the import may be conducted secretly. If such actions be not nipped in the bud, it is impossible to foretell their evil consequences. The lead of the Department concerned has now been instructed to inform foreign merchants by letter that in future war materials. purchased in any part of China are not to be delivered unless evidence of the consent of this Ministry is forthcoming. The latter, however, fears that, owing to the way in which merchants consider nothing else but their own profit, there may be difficulty in carrying out this order, and will be glad if you will ask the Diplomatic Body at Peking to order all foreign merchants in future not to carry out illegal orders for the purchase of war material."

The abbreviated rules were enclosed in the letter from the Ministry of War.

At the present time people's minds are disturbed by the unsettled situation. In the Wai Chiao Pu's opinion war material is an extremely dangerous class of goods, and (trade therein) should be severely circumscribed. The Ministry has therefore the honour to forward to His Excellency copies of the two abbreviated rules laid down by the Ministry of War, and to request him to inform foreign merchants thereof. In future when orders for the purchase of war material are given, evidence of the Ministry of War's consent is necessary; no illegal deliveries are permitted in order that due care may be exercised and hidden misfortune avoided. The Ministry deems that His Excellency will be happy to give his assistance, in order to assist in preserving the public peace, and trusts that he will reply.

Enclosure.

(Seal of the Minister of Foreign Affairs.)