subsequently applied to such vessels entering "any port, roadstead or waters belonging to Her Majesty", or again "any port, roadstead or waters subject to the territorial jurisdiction of Her Majesty".
His Excellency The Governor is informed that the position of the Wyoming on this last occasion was such as to bring her within the territorial jurisdiction of this Government according to a definition recently given by the Law Officers of the Crown in England; i.e., she was within a nautical league of our shore, and nearer to it than to the nearest port of Chinese territory.
You will for the future bear this in mind, and that in the instance of, say, the Lyemoon where the strait is less than six miles or two leagues in breadth, the centre of the Strait is the boundary between the Chinese and British Waters. Should the vessel of either belligerent anchor in this neighbourhood you will ascertain her position accurately, and if within our waters you will require her to depart and put to sea within 24 hours unless prevented by stress of weather, or the necessity for supplies or repairs. You will also point out that permission of this Government is requisite for the shipment of those supplies, and you will furnish the Captain or officer in charge with a copy of the Proclamation above referred to.
I have to,
(Signed) W. F. Mercer,
Colonial Secretary.
(True Copies)
Colonial Secretary