mon feuve
be
action, I must be directed by pag-
Louve of duty our to the finite and principles which it may necessary to press upon Your Excellency's attention
The advantage of protection (alluded to by Your Excellency) extended however to the resolvo of another riviting its points, is of reciprocal obligation, and seems to have any
by
7.
Nie
malne if it is supposed
the
suffered to red states revision. The United States
right of aggre
while extending every protection to British vessels in American ports, have repeatedly recognized the jurisdiction of British Courts over offences
Committed on
board these vessels-
a jurisdiction which seems to be
essential to the security of Commerce. The United States will therefore have
Page 62
the same right to take exception to the action of the colonial Authorities
of Hongkong,
in the
"Annie Bucknam".
Case
of the
My action, must be influenced
entirely by the views of my Government as to the rights of its
vessels "flag" in foreign ports. These views have not only been exemplified by its action, but are clearly set forth by the competent authorities of the state. The Hon. Daniel Webster, when Secretary of State, in a letter to Lord Ashburton, upon the
the case, this sets forth the law of nations as interpreted by United States Government.
"But my Lord, the rule of Law, and the custom and practice of nations, go much further than these cases of