... arrest in & that the exemption from Consequence of damages by collision is a privilege of so high a character that it should be conceded only on clear proof of the vessel being either the national property of, subsidized or chartered for the Postal Service by the French Government & that it is not of the mere leave or license of the French Government granted to vessels to carry letters & other postal communications which will entitle the vessel to the privileges given under the 5th Article of the Convention.
Your Lordship will best judge whether the case of the "Ava" should be brought to the notice of The French Government with a view of obtaining a fair trial in the case itself: & by laying down some rule for similar cases either of British or French Vessels doing damage by Collision in the Chinese Seas (or Indian Seas where, when such vessels may be exempt from the ordinary process of arrest).
Your Lordship will also be of opinion whether the Justice of the case & the convenience of all parties concerned would not be met by directing that the Consular or some other public officer should in his official capacity bail the ship proceeded against.
We have the honour to be, My Lord, Your Lordship's most humble Servants,
D. Coleridge
J. G. Csal
B. Deane