203
Excellency
Who referred it?
When the parties interested have been heard and whether its decision has come upon any, and what evidence?
In such a question the matter is I submit for the China and Japan Embassies and that His Excellency is acting ultra vires in coming to a decision at all, still less in deciding without hearing the parties interested.
I rather think I have mentioned the subject to Sir Rutherford Alcock and I purpose doing so forthwith. Letter to His Excellency Sir F. Bruce.
The matter is in itself trifling only, but as it may be important (it cannot affect me personally to any great extent) I shall be glad to be furnished with the information I respectfully ask for, and I shall readily refer the matter to the Foreign Office which alone is interested.
I have …
(Signed) John Smale, Attorney General