Chinese High Commissioner
of a Memorandum by the
Keying
Copy No.92.
My Lord,
Govt House, Victoria, Hongkong.
July 27/43
364
To
The subject of our jurisdiction over the Chinese population resident on the Island of Hongkong which your Lordship's despatches No. 45 and 54 refer, remains, as your Lordship will see from the Enclosures to my despatch No. 85, undecided, and will form a subject of future negotiation.
I have already stated in my despatch No. 59 of the 13th of June that I will use my exertions to carry it, & I have already succeeded in providing for our having complete jurisdiction authority over all classes; but those who are best informed on the Laws & Customs of China seem to be of opinion that the Imperial Commission dare not give us power specifically in capital cases, at least not in writing.
The Power vested in the Governor in Council will, I think, enable me to provide for this embarrassment, and in the meantime the introduction of the clause
The Earl of Aberdeen, K.T.,
&c. &c.