of the
the Chinese Government in placing Customs and Letting Stations in close proximity to our shores.
2. Further papers bearing on this subject have since been received, and I transmit them herewith rather than wait for any further information that may be issued under the circumstances.
3. As for my part (429), I see no reason to anticipate any collision as probable between the Colonial Officers and those of the Chinese Government for the purpose.
Consul Hughes to Colonial Secretary
24 January 1872
1. I have now the honor of completing the information which I have been able to place before Your Lordships, rather than from any desire to make or invite any comments thereon. Indeed, the Preventive Service Regulation in force at the Customs and Letting Station (forming an enclosure in Consul Hughes' letter of the 24th January), contains nothing to which I need specially refer, for they are such as would be expected if the regulations long promulgated for the guidance of those in charge of the Chinese Stations were adhered to.
4. I shall, however, expect the fullest support from the Offices of Her Majesty's Diplomatic Service in seeing that the Chinese deputies to carry out the orders necessary for the collection of the duties exercise no power beyond that which is legally entrusted to them, and which is consistent with the treaties and usages.