200
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dealings of this Government with Chinese Pirates brought into this Colony and who are triable jure gentium in the Courts of any Country where they may be found, and also with criminals liable under treaty to be claimed by the Chinese Authorities. I cannot at this moment recall to mind any action taken by this Government in reference to either class of Cases which leaves the least room for regret.
I believe however with the Attorney General that supposed Pirates captured by vessels of H. M's Navy have been frequently given up by Naval Officers to the Chinese Authorities. Provided such Pirates be not brought here first and provided that the Chinese Authorities are willing to give the pledge, which I exact, when surrendering criminals under Treaty stipulations, viz: that no Torture shall be applied before, during or after trial, I am not aware that any very serious objections exist to such prisoners being dealt with by competent Courts of their own Country.
In the event of H. M's vessels being again allowed to resume active operations against Pirates in Chinese waters, as formerly, that class of Criminals might become exceedingly numerous, say from 100 to 150 per annum, all liable to long terms of imprisonment. It is a serious consideration whether there be any overwhelming necessity requiring this