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station is along the shore of that Island,
and its possession is an absolute necessity.
I doubt of its having passed by the cession of Hongkong having historical antecedents,
and this Government has exercised direct ownership
over the soil there, making
grants of land and offering occupation licenses. As a line drawn from Cape to Cape would include part of that Island, it is probable that on that account no doubt
has
ever arisen
as to its having passed
to the British Crown, an argument which does not apply
to Green Island.
8.
In examining the enclosed Map,
You will also find that the other Islands or rather rocks included within
lines drawn from Cape to Cape of Hongkong are few and insignificant
in themselves, though it might hereafter be
important for
strategic reasons
or otherwise
to prevent their occupation by the subjects
of a foreign Power.
9.
So far, therefore, if I am not given to understand that the Law Officers of the Crown disagree, I see
no occasion for any
additional explanatory conventions, but these
remarks do not apply to the large Island of Lamma lying S.W. of Aberdeen, and
on which
a Mandarin
or Magistrate has often resided.
10.
Its vicinity to Hongkong, and its
comparative size might render it an