I object to the views entertained on this subject by Sir Henry Pottinger; I am commanded to state for the information of Lord Stanley that they will send directions to the Naval Commanding Officers in the China Sea, and to the Commanding Officers of Home Transports on that Station, to send away all persons discharged from Her Majesty's ships, and on board any part of the East India Company's ships, that are on that Station, and not to allow any men so discharged to be sent ashore within the Chinese Territory; but as regards the remaining part of Sir Henry Pottinger's proposal, which relates to these matters, their Lordships apprehend that it will be necessary for legal opinion to be taken, as to how far the several suggestions of Sir Henry Pottinger can be legally enforced.
Your most obedient humble Servant,
Agent of Transport Council