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future ease.
In any future may arise, and when the Prisoners of this description that may be taken into custody at the Consulates, I should not be compelled to send them to Hongkong for trial but have a discretionary power of either sending them to Court in India, or even to England, if requisite.
Much discussion has taken place in this Colony as to Consuls having the power to apprehend, and to send for trial to Hongkong persons charged with piracy.
Our Attorney General's opinion is enclosed, but as it is not conclusive, I would beg your Lordship's Instructions on the subject, especially as it is rumored that it is in contemplation to enter legal proceedings against Me. Consul Merch by the Prisoners for false imprisonment, as has already been done by the owner of the "Spee" against Captain Pitman of H.M. Brig "Childers" for $5000 for damages sustained by the illegal detention of the vessel.
To prevent as far as possible any further mischief arising from acts on the part of British Subjects, such as are alleged to have been committed by the Crew of the "Spee", I have issued the enclosed Notification on the subject, and given such further Instructions to the Consuls with reference thereto, as the nature and circumstances of the Transaction now reported, appeared to me to demand, and which I trust will meet with your Lordship's approval.
I have, &c.,
(Signed) S. G. Bonham
(True Copy)
MacLeod Colonial Secretary