48.
request that in the Governor's warrants forwarding communications from the Chinese Government respective the arrest of fugitive offenders be specifically stated in the margin of such warrants what the "said communications" are.
At present, all papers sealed up together are forwarded with the Governor's warrant, and there is nothing to indicate to the Magistrate upon which of them the Government relies for forming the basis of the action to be taken.
I may add also that there is a liability that the Magistrate in dealing with the case may have his judgement warped or biased, if he is put in possession of any other documents than the actually legal documents proper and necessary for the conduct of the case.
I have &c.,
(Signed) H.D. Wodehouse, Police Magistrate.
The Honorable The Colonial Secretary.
WP-1769 Colonial Secretary's Office Hong Kong 27th November 1883.
Sir,
In reply to your letter of the 23rd instant, I have been directed by His Excellency