CONCEAL
I have taken the opinion of Sir Edmund Hornby, the Chief Judge of the Supreme Court of China and Japan, and ascertained that he entirely concurs in the interpretation of the Treaty clauses which I have here given.
A copy of this despatch will be forwarded to H.E. Sir R. MacDonnell that he may take such steps as he deems fit for the information of Chinese and British subjects who are domiciled in the Colony, whether temporarily or permanently.
But as the larger interests of all British subjects trading with China are in some degree connected with this question, you are authorized to give it publicity, and to promulgate any more formal declaration affecting the general interests.
True Copy
More. 235
(Signed) Rutherford Alcock,
Acting Colonial Secretary.