Justice coming from Macao — an Ordinance having been passed upon September 1870 and could be put in force immediately (No 13 of 1870, §18) as soon as the Governor is satisfied that sufficient reciprocal provision has been made by the Government of Macao. Previous to the passing of Extradition Acts by Parliament, there was some authority on our Statute Book for giving up persons for having perpetrated a crime in a foreign country.
I do not think, however, that now it would be done in England except in the manner prescribed by Act of Parliament, although some countries, Spain in particular, have given up parties charged with committing a crime in England. I cannot advise the Governor to do what I consider an illegal act, nor to put himself in a false position such as he would be in if the accused were to apply for a Habeas Corpus.
But I would rather suggest that it becomes a favourable opportunity for ascertaining from the Government of Macao their views and wishes with regard to our Ordinance No.13 of 1870. Surely, if both parties agreed upon the main point that it is desirable to surrender criminals, there ought to be very little difficulty.