H. Sir. J. Bowring's
ks. 157
1/56.
Copy
Chey
po. 165
211620
Foreign Office
1162005
August 9th 1856.
341
We had had under their consideration your despatch No. 151. of May 5. inclosing a Report from the Attorney General.
In answer to the reference made as to the legal powers held by Her Majesty's Plenipotentiary in China for restricting the exportation of ammunition and military stores when intended for piratical purposes; & having consulted the law officers, we are of opinion that, as the Law at present stands, there are no sufficient legal powers vested in Her Majesty's Plenipotentiary in China to enable him to restrict the exportation of ammunition & military stores, although intended for piratical purposes.
Some general ordinance might, we think, be advantageously passed to prohibit the exportation of arms & Ammunition, except on the terms of complying with regulations which might afford some sufficient security as to the place of their destination, & the persons to whom they are consigned.
Signed Clarendon
J. Bowring