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Chinese Authorities.
In saying this, I do not intend to support the Chinese Authorities in measures of an arbitrary nature such as ... are calculated to cripple or injure the trade of the Colony of Hong Kong and the annulment of the proclamation under which this vessel was seized afford sufficient proof of that. What I desire to ...
have regard for the respective interests, Colonial and Imperial, and on these grounds I have argued the question; and I think it is now better understood. I am, however, anxious, and think it right to disabuse the mind of His Excellency the Governor, that there is no disposition on the part of the Chinese Authorities to injure the native trade with the Colony of Hong Kong.
They have a duty to collect the revenue; and, if their mode of doing so is not quite in accordance with our ideas on the subject, we can take exception to it, save where it may be illegal. The principle that an act may be far from friendly as between nations, and, therefore, better avoided.
As regards smuggling to which the Secretary refers, the authorities have taken notice of them and have taken steps to arrest those simulating the Imperial authority.
I have …
(signed) D. B. Robertson, Colonial Secretary