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Government is little disposed to take upon itself the responsibility of protecting those who have a claim to its protection. On the other hand it undoubtedly recognizes the duty of extending that protection at all times and in all places to those who can establish their claim to it, and I am satisfied that Your Highness will see the expediency of laying a very positive injunction upon the provincial governments to instruct their subordinates.
In no case to proceed further against a prisoner in appearance Chinese who shall declare himself a British Subject, until the Consul whom he declares able to establish his status as such shall have been communicated with.
It can happen but seldom, to judge from past experience, that these Anglo-Chinese will make themselves obnoxious to the Chinese Authorities, and while communication with the Consul can in no case occasion a delay of any importance, very serious complications may be averted by the precaution.
I have only to add that if the Chinese government be of opinion that the difficulty of distinguishing British Subjects as above described, from Chinese...