Any British vessels which may be found off the coast of Hainan are not to land cargo or passengers at any place in that mainland.
It is presumed that the case of the Carisbrooke will be enquired into at the Chinese Custom House at Canton and that Mr. Consul will be present. The interests of the owners have, I understand, been entrusted to the care of Dr. Hayllar (C.C.), but as the Carisbrooke appears to have cleared in a regular way from Singapore for Hainan, "Hongkong and Amoy", I have deemed it advisable to suggest to Your Excellency that the Attorney General should attend to watch the case on behalf of your Government. Important questions may arise, and the interests at stake are very large.
(Signed) J. Gardiner Austin, Administrator