Having given further consideration, I do not think it expedient "at present" to raise the question. I have been credibly informed that clearances for the West coast of the island of Hainan have been given by the Harbour Master of Hongkong to British steamers and ships, and there is at the moment, or was lately, a steamer at that island with such clearance. The object of the parties on board of her being to trade there or discover the capabilities of certain copper mines reputed to be in existence in the interior. If this is the case, the Harbour Master acted under instructions from his superiors; otherwise, I do not understand how he would venture upon doing so.
I may mention that Mr. J. Caldwell and Mr. Cohen of Hongkong applied to me for permits to visit the West Coast and Hainan, but I declined to give them, and there are the parties I refer to as visiting Hainan at present.
It would be well that I received instructions from H.E. on this matter for my guidance, as if the trade between Hongkong and Hainan and the West coast is legal, as undoubtedly it is in the latter case, it is undesirable to let the ...
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