friendship of the two nations, and "therefore not lightly to be passed over.
None but the officers of my Sovereign, the Queen of Great Britain, can by the Law of England exercise authority in Hongkong. Unless I maintained the greatest vigilance in support of this fundamental principle, myself should be justly exposed to the displeasure of Her Majesty's Government. Your Excellency will therefore easily perceive that it is my duty to command all the civil and military officers of this Colony to exercise the greatest vigilance to prevent any Chinese Officer from attempting to exercise authority in any part of Hongkong, either in the interior or on the coast.
With many wishes for Your Excellency's happiness.
I have
(Signed) I. F. Davis.
True copy.
271
Frederick W. A. Bruce