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governed by English Laws, these
have gone over
vast oceans, distant
thousands and tens of thousands of Miles, and since they have fled beyond
Seas, they of course become subject
to the English laws. But Hong Kong
joins the central land itself, the men and women upon it are alike our
People, so that Hongkong cannot be looked on in the same light
as those Regions which are subject to the sway of the English nation. We the High Commissioner
having frequently had communication with your Excellency, know your intelligence and clear understanding your acquaintance with the world
and that you are indeed among the
ablest men
of the English nation; we
presume that for a little difference
like this, you would not like to weather the risk of overturning the whole plan
of our arrangements. Therefore it is that we are not afraid to press again upon this point, hoping that it may
yet be properly arranged.
We trust that your Excellency will think maturely upon this point, and again, let us have your views in reply that We may act
accordingly.
A most important communication.