that we would consider these points with reference to the other Questions referred to in the enclosed Papers; and that we would make any observations or suggestions which may
be to us thereupon, and which may be calculated to obviate the difficulties with which the question of Jurisdiction over Chinese Residents or Visitors in Hongkong appears to be surrounded.
That Your Lordship would also be glad of our opinion whether, in the event of concurring in the view taken in the draft to the Colonial office, any Parliamentary Enactment would be required to carry
it into execution.
In obedience to Your Lordship's commands " we have taken the Papers into consideration and have the honour to report that we do
not see any objection to the arrangement suggested in the shape of the answer to the Colonial office, by which the subjects of the Queen Sovereign territories of the one Party within the territories of the other may be delivered up to the Authorities of the Country of the former to be dealt with according to the Law of that Country, and if a British and Chinese subject should be engaged together in the commission of a crime we think that each might be punished according to the Laws, and by the Tribunals of his own Country.
We think however that very serious difficulties may arise if the arrangement were extended to embrace permanently the Chinese Inhabitants of Hongkong, for these persons residing on the Island, and continuing...