I hope these views may be accepted; as to the comparative importance of this Colony.
I also trust that the opinions, which they express as to the impolicy of the exorbitant taxation levied on goods exported from Hongkong may have at least as much weight, as the opposite opinions of Sir Rutherford Alcock whose leading assertions about the Colony are proved to be erroneous.
I must here remark that it is impossible, when communicating with the Unofficial Members of Council, not to allude to a subject which is causing great consternation amongst the Chinese connected with this Colony. In connection with that topic the enclosed Memo states that the Members of Council have daily evidence of the serious injury inflicted on business by the oppressive acts of Chinese Cruisers round this Island and the terror which they have inspired.
18. I have already frequently and fully pointed out the injurious collateral results to trade which I knew would follow the invitation, for I can call it nothing else, given by Sir Rutherford Alcock to Chinese cruisers to overhaul and Search vessels of every nation sailing from this Port. I need hardly say what I always regarded as inevitable has come to pass, though I scarcely imagined it could have been brought about in so short a period.
Enclosure No 3, Para 10, Vide Enclosure in Gov to Secy of State No 555 of August 1868. 9555/68
Vide Governor to Secy of State No 5420 of July 1868. Para 2 to q
Vide Governor to Secy of State No ... of 1868. Para 16 to q
9818/68