J.
364
Even in reference to the nature and extent of British jurisdiction over waters within three miles both of the coasts of the Colony and China.
4. In stating the opinions of the Law Officers my chief object was to establish the particularity prevail upon the jurisdiction which should prevail over waters contiguous to the Colony and China. Their opinion is that the jurisdiction of each country is bounded by the medium filum where the medium line between the respective shores is less than three geographical miles is perfectly satisfactory, as it supplies a clear guide for the local Courts and enables the Executive to act with confidence within limits easily ascertained.
3. Therefore although in conformity with Lord Canning's instructions I have been sending copies of all the correspondence to Sir Keith Fraser Alouse, and shall conform to him as to the necessity and expediency of a more accurate definition by treaty of the territorial rights of this Colony and the adjoining Empire, the adoption of the rule laid down by the Law Officers "medium filum" dispenses with the need for further discussion of the points involved.
4. Nevertheless it is essential, before officially using the opinion of the Law Officers, that I should draw attention to the paragraph of their opinion, in which...