Under such circumstances I am bound to state my opinion that a fatal error would be committed if any negotiations on the subject were to be entered upon to supply deficiencies which are chiefly of a theoretical and technical character. But were the evils, present and prospective, for which the colony is suffering, to be represented as being much greater than they really are, while the territorial ...
jurisdiction would inevitably create distrust, and in all probability misapprehension. The object, with our real interests in view, would be to our grave prejudice and material interests in this country.
A remedy should be sought, and practical measures should still hold the same opinion. The Chinese Government in its ignorance of all the principles of International Law could not understand our arguments,
(Signed) Rutherford Alcock.
(True Copy)
H. F. Sault,
Acting Colonial Secretary.