This inconvenience would be avoided were the vessel commissioned by the Lords of the Admiralty, and possessed the character of an ordinary vessel of the Royal Navy. Just in this case it would have on the high Seas all the powers as against British subjects & persons offending against the Law of Nations which that Law or Imperial Authority can give. To this course there are objections, objections which it is needless to specify, and the present arrangement which is considered conclusive for the purpose must be adhered to.
Lord Carnarvon is desirous of learning to what extent an armed vessel thus maintained by the Colonial Government, but not commissioned by the Lords of the Admiralty, has by Law the power, or can be lawfully invested with the power to
Page 427