Sie Rogen 4 Jane
The Papers relating
to the Prohibition of the
Export of Military Stores from Hongkong are in Circulation with
V
The letter from
Messrs. Barnett appealing against
Proclamation
I may
mention here that
One of that Firm called upon
me respecting the Proclamation.
Their business
Elicited from
him that
it had
no
Effect on
their
business
for the last 20 years.
The Firm had consigned
Rifles, Pistol, Ammunition, etc.
in Hongkong,
and
Chinese Merchants
that these goods were
distributed amongst the Junks in Chinese
Waters.
As this appeared to be exactly
the sort of business which it was intended to Stop, I requested he would furnish his consignment or papers.
He affirmed (what the Act forbade) that he would lose some
thousand dollars
if he was not allowed to sell his stores
in Singapore,
(in contiguity) within the Colony from whence
it would be quite
likely to reach
the Rebels.
Ex-1
or
in
It is possible that after the Papers are represented to the Indian Govt a similar proclamation
may
In Mercury suggests that Shippers abroad should have notice of the impossibilities of exporting
warlike
stores
from Hongkong.
The shippers have already received
notice indirectly from their consignees but the
Foreign Office
To whom this despatch should be sent will
be best able to Judge what further steps should
be taken in the matter
M R A