That though some parts of Mr. G. W. H. Hay's opinion may fairly be open to doubt, it does not seem necessary to repeat the discussion after the Law Officers' report of the 15th January 1867, to discuss any further the question of the extent of English jurisdiction in waters adjacent to the Colony of Hong Kong.
There remains, however, the question as to Kowloon, Lamma Island, and other adjacent islands; and it is desired to state that though there is a repetition of Sir R. Alcock's opinion that any negotiation upon the subject would be fruitless with the Chinese Government, Sir R. Alcock feels that from his position on the subject, the matter should be put up for the present, therefore, any attempt at negotiation is hopeless.
But considering the vicinity of that island to Hong Kong, and its comparative size, which renders it an easy asylum for lawless characters, it is very desirable that some step should be taken to give the Government control over the Supreme Court.