42
1
would we
(if the Sudencies of the service admit of it) furnish a sufficient crew to navigate the Vessel to the nearest Port where a Vice Admiralty Court is established.
The Board desire to point out, that, although the act of the Officer complying with the requisition be merely ministerial, he is liable in Costs and damages equally with the Seizor, should the detention of the Vessel be adjudged unwarrantable.
It must therefore be distinctly understood, that the expenses incident to this service, and all damages and reasonable charges incurred by the Commander in performing it, be defrayed by that Department of Her Majesty's Government which employs the Person making the requisition.
The Board would further suggest, in case any bill to amend the Act be hereafter introduced to Parliament, that Exclusive Jurisdiction be given to the Admiralty Courts to determine all questions arising in the Execution of it, in the same manner as in cases of Prize.
Gunboat Seaward
Jun Chien-
Foreign Office
GENT