143
in the neighbourhood of the Harbor, invested very large interests, as on it depended the principal value of the Opium Monopoly annually leased by the Colony and producing
It is in fact this latter case,
nearly $80,000 per annum.
$12.
has specially drawn,
my attention to the subject, though I had previously intended to solicit advice on the nature of an International Jurisdiction in reference to Belligerent Men of War, which having stayed out their 24 hours in harbor, have afterwards practically eluded the Queen's proclamation by anchoring outside the limits of the harbor, though within the Marine league of Hong Kong or Harbour. No doubt such Vessels get in a custom in Chinese waters, and were also in English waters I thought though not as I thought so completely exclusively English as to justify interfering.
13.
On the whole however I submit Your Lordship will see reason for transmitting this Despatch and its enclosures to the Law Officers of the Crown that they may, as plainly as the case permits, state their view of the relative rights - whether exclusive or concurrent of the Chinese and English Government in all waters within the Marine league as shown on the enclosed Maps.
14.
Probably on investigation it will be found impracticable to arrange completely certain points except by Treaty or mutual agreement between the Chinese and British Governments.
Oct