12th December, 1854.
Present:
His Excellency The Governor,
The Honorable The Acting Chief Justice,
The Honorable The Acting Attorney General,
The Honorable C. B. Hillier, Esqre,
The Honorable David Jardine, Esqre ,
The Honorable J. F. Edger, Esqre.
The Council met today by Special Summons.
The Minutes of the last Council were read and approved.
His Excellency in his double capacity of Her Majesty's Plenipotentiary and Governor pointed out to the Council the necessity of ------------------- measures being adopted in the Colony for the purpose of securing the neutrality of Her Majesty's Subjects during the present contest between the Imperialist and Rebel Forces. The subject was then entered into, and discussed; and the Council Resolved, that the manufacture of guns and gunpowder be prohibited in the Colony, and further that no arms, ammunition, or other materials of war be sold in Hongkong without a special Permit from the Chief Magistrate or any two Justices of the Peace. The Acting Attorney General to draft an Ordinance to the above effect, for consideration at the next meeting of Council.
(Signed) John Bowring,
Governor.
Read and approved this 13th Day of January, 1855.
(Signed) L. d'Almada e Castro,
Clerk of Councils.
(True Copy)
[Signature of L. d'Almada e Castro]
Clerk of Councils.