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thinking that the Chinese Authorities have not acted legitimately in the matter, that the Establishment of these Customs Stations is at variance with the provisions of the Treaty of Tien Tsin
My Lords have also received from the Secretary of State for the Colonies, copies of several despatches from the Governor of Hong Kong on this subject.
Sir Richard MacDonnell apprehends that the Commercial Community at that Colony will suffer loss and considerable injury from these Regulations, but My Lords have pointed out to the Earl of Buckingham that these restrictions are solely for the protection of the Revenue and suppression of a contraband Trade, they therefore have no sufficient ground for urging the Chinese Government to rescind the Proclamation which they have a right by Treaty to issue
I have &c.
(signed) Thomas Gray
The Under Secretary of State Foreign Office.
The papers sent are herewith retained.