the right of the Chen hair to be
considered as a
and what flay
should wear,
vessel of war
Chinese vessels of war
I should request
the Viceroy to notify through me
for general information what is a
the Chinese national,
of wor
Ensign; and in reply to state. that as soon as I could obtain an interviews with the Viceroy I
communicated to him the tenor
of your despatch and enclosures, and His Excellency stated that China has not a fleet in the Europea acceptation of the term, and. consequently has not a national Man of war ensigns, her naval
248
defences being represented by war junks in divisions attached to the several maritime provinces and that the gunboats of which the "Chen - hair is
77
one are under the
same conditions. His Excellency added that he will officially,
notify for your information the
entitled to.
rear
flag they will be
Freturn herewith the enclosures
in your despatch. I have to
(Signed) D.13. PRobertion,
(True Copy.)
Consul.
(Signed) Alexander Trater,
Assistant. (True Copies) I Jardine Auction
Colonial Secretary.
E