Excellency has been obliged to order the discharge of the men, as there was no proper warrant and the statements before the Court do not appear to have been sworn. I have also to direct your attention to sections 268 and 270 of the Merchant Shipping Act, and records will shew you that your prisoners are sent here for trial not for carrying out a sentence. His Excellency is advised that the powers of punishment given to Naval Courts by section 18 of the Mercantile Law Amendment Act 1855, are to be exercised locally and that when prisoners are sent by a Consular or Naval Court to a British possession it is with the object of their being tried there.
I have the honour to be, Sir, Your most Obedient Servant, (signed) J Gardiner Austin, Colonial Secretary.
(True copy) Airstier Ganana Anten Colonial S...