315
Memorial which I would be happy to forward to Your Grace with the enclosed Ordinance which under the Imperial Act requires confirmation before it can be Law here, and this suggestion
16.
I have just received the Memorial inclosing the draft Ordinance which they signified their intention to prepare, but cannot convince me that their arguments on the policy of a total prohibition of Emigration from this port of Chinese willing to contract for a term of service abroad, and whose willingness has been ascertained by reliable Officers employed by this Government. I do not consider that without Your Grace's sanction I would be authorized in proposing a measure so antagonistic to all previous law.
Enclosure 2. Sent in supplication
Imperial legislation merely because undesirable and gross abuses are committed in the conduct of Emigration at a neighboring Port.
17.
I would rather expect that Chinese labourers in search of lucrative employment elsewhere would be usefully assisted by having at least one Port open to them where they could be certain of fair treatment and of any necessary attention being paid to their physical wants and above all when they could implicitly rely on receiving ample protection against those prejudiced by Marine.
18
Sir Rutherford Alcock addressing the convention entered into by himself and the French Minister