as well as the question of a warrant of the Chinese Authorities.
Fame also to transmit to you a copy of a despatch from Her Majesty's Acting Consul at Canton upon the same subject which was referred to Robertson.
I am, Sir,
Your most obedient, Humble Servant,
Mammonl
2e19
7.0.9807-71 - Hong Kong
MINUTE PAPER.
9837
323
For Herbert.
The action of the Chinese Junks at Macao, though no doubt affecting Hongkong interests, is not a matter in which we can interfere, and the collection of opium duty by these gunboats, is legitimate so long as it does not occur in Hongkong waters, and the right is exercised only over Chinese Vessels. I hear privately that the system does not work successfully, even from the Chinese point of view. I am glad to see that Robertson opposes Nade's Custom house plan. But that is slaying the slain. He raises again, however, the question of the appointment of a Chinese Consul at Hongkong. On this point see Mr Cox's minute attached to F.O. 857 of 1870, and Sir F. Roger's minute on 470 of 70. I see no use in referring this paper to Sir R. MacDonnell. It will simply irritate him. I think that we need only acknowledge