202
course world at once proosed to Shanghai, The question arises whether coats
are contraband
war;
of we
if they
are
the
vessel and her cargo would be liable to seizure should the Frouch wercise their " Right of Search", "From the most recent
advice that we
can
obtain on the subject,
it would appear the question of coal. being classed as contraband has never been settled by Europeau Nations. In fact during 1859, and again in 1870, "France declared that coal was not Contraband, though Exgland stopped supplies of coal to the Frouch fleet North Sea, but she permitted its export to France, this latter ceation meeting. with strong protect from boniany. The distinction being, in the first
coal was to be used
care
in the
the
1 for actual purposes
of
>
of warfare,
whereas in the second it
would be applied to industrial purposes.
Seeing
the uncertainty which
exists on this most important question,
as it does the Trade of Hongkong
affecting
and the Treaty Pork of China - the
latter are
dependent upon their coal supplies for their commercial existence. - we will be glad if you will kindly
us an authoritative opinion ~
give
whether coal is contraband when it is not intended within the knowledge of the Carriers to be used
1 for belligerent
purposes.
Should there be any
doubt with
we words
your advisers on the question, respectfully suggest that the opinion of the Home Government be obtained by telegraph, The
urgency of the
the case
truky
be