46.
From them I learnt that it was the Hongdong Government that had taken the initiative in suggesting that the Chinese Government should apply for the rendition of the prisoners, and that the Captain Superintendent of Police had pointed out that in doing so the Chinese Government would probably expect the prisoners to be handed over to them without producing proof of guilt.
I no longer have the papers before me, and I merely allude to it in order to show the importance I attach to the Magistrates being left untrammeled in the conduct of these cases.
Upon receiving your documents I wrote the following minute and reproduce the correspondence referred to in that minute: -
"With regard to the mass of papers that have been forwarded to the Magistrates and which are now returned to me, I beg to call attention to their letter W.73 of the 23rd November 1883, and to Colonial Secretary's letter W.1769 of the 27th November 1883."
W.73.
Magistracy Hongdong 23rd November 1883.
Sir,
I have the honour to request... (text cut off)