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to the British Consul at Canton in a June 1879 and your despatch that torture would be used on the prisoners for the case rendition you applied on the 14th December 1880, I have the honor to acquaint you that the Commandant of Chueng Chau (the Officer who moved for the rendition of the prisoners) having visited the Governor yesterday, informed his Excellency that he had no objection to a British officer being present at the trial, adding that in any case he was convinced no torture would be used in the trial of any prisoners given up by the Hongkong Government.
(Signed) Frederick Stewart,
Acting Colonial Secretary.
Minute by the Superintendent of Victoria Police.
The 13 Prisoners whose rendition is demanded by the Chinese have now been in Gaol since the 27th November last.
(Signed) M. S. Jowett,
16th February, 1881,
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