Hengking 11321
8th July, 1867.
Governor
Dir Richards Graves MacDonnell's
His Grace
The Duke of Buckingham & Chandos.
"Prince Albert" Steamer
Correspondence with Sir Rutherford Alcock
no
Opinion of Attorney General as to illegality of confiscation. Injustice done to Owner of "Prince Albert"
6 Enclosures
It will sometimes happen that independent Authorities will take opposite views of the same case. But if so, must it not become simply a question which of the two is the authority competent to act in the matter? If the Minister and Consuls are the competent persons in this case, their judgment, sanctioned by the Foreign Secretary at home, seems to be final. Just as Colonial Governor used his powers in a case where a Colony, I apprehend that his judgment, if confirmed by a Secretary of State, must equally be conclusive, even though a Diplomatic Officer might take a different view.
The crux of the matter is, in a nutshell, the appeal is found in watery complications. The owner is in a difficult case.
In explanation, as I have been comprehended by Messrs Chesney & Cox, also authorities cited in the limits put forth (No. 40.5028/86 East India Company) that the owner in an extreme case (Robinson) is sufficient.