"between the two stations, no pecuniary subsidies are to be due from
Chuna
you
this account."
The Committee feel deeply the extreme importance to the interests of this colony and of Great Britain, of Her Majesty's Government maintaining in their integrity the guarantees which have been given, as the Island of Chusan, with its magnificent harbour, commands the entrance of the Yangtze river one of the principal centres of British Trade in the far East, and its occupation by any foreign power could not fail to be a source of continual danger and apprehension not only to this Colony, but to all who are interested in its trade, necessitating a large outlay for fortifications and probably entailing upon Great Britain an increased Naval force in these waters.
The condition which the British Government made, on its restoration of Chusan to the Chinese, that the Island should not be ceded to any foreign power, under guarantee from Great Britain against attack, seems to have been suggested by a wise prevision of future complications and the Committee trust that your Excellency will convey to Her Majesty's Secretary of State for the Colonies, for communication to Lord Palmerston, the earnest hope of the Chamber that Her Majesty's Government will be prepared to maintain the stipulation contained in the Convention of 1846.
I have the honour to be,
Sir,
Your most obedient, humble servant
#1 Bulkeley Johnson
Chairman