be consideration any claim which might be made for the rendition of a smuggler who had escaped into British Territory.
In reply to this I am desired to observe that His Excellency is not aware of any responsibility imposed on this Government to admit any such claims, and to point out in special reference to the present case that as the Chinese Authorities are unable to produce the boat and the crew thereof has disappeared there can be no confiscation or prosecution.
I have to
(Signed) J. Gardiner Austin,
Colonial Secretary.
True Copy
J. Gardiner Austin
Colonial Secretary
Canton,
7th April, 1877.
With reference to the seizure off Cape d'Aguilar (King's waters) of a tonk-boat containing opium on the 29th October last, it will be remembered that I wrote to the Viceroy of Two Kwang expressing to the Hong Kong Government his regret at the conduct of the cruiser officials, and his assurance that the officer chiefly in fault had been punished.
The Hon. H. S. Wodehouse
Acting Colonial Secretary