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Subsequently
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Colleague Mr Cameron pointed out that a Law was necessary in order to legalise the reception in the Straits Settlements of Convicts from Hong Kong. The Draft of an Act was accordingly read on the 1st May, the provisions of which having been approved by the Governor of those Settlements as well as by the Governor General, the same was passed on the 7th August last as Act No. II of 1847.
After communicating with the Commissioner in the Tenasserim Provinces, we have directed the reception of Chinese Convicts not exceeding 100 in number at Maulmiin and we have addressed the government of Hong Kong requesting that its proceedings with respect to the transportation of Criminals to those Provinces should for the present be so regulated.
It has also come to our notice that the Bengal Government looks to Malacca as a place for the reception of Convicts from that Sound and has actually despatched a party of Criminals to the Settlement. We have desired Colonel Butterworth, the Resident Councillor, to prepare to receive them into custody.
We have the honor to be,
Honorable Sirs,
Your most faithful Servants;
(Signed) H. Maddock
(Signed) F. Millett
(Signed) Z. Currie
(Signed) C. H. Cameron
4th December 1847.
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