Cruiser constituting a flagrant violation of the territoriality of
a
British Colony.
On learning
on the 24th instant that a Chinese vessel had
actually boarded,
Chinese junks in British
Waters, His Excellency
ordered a
Police launch to proceed to Stanley
and see that the Waters
of the Colony
were not violated with strict
instructions not to use
force unless
attacked and to keep within British
Jurisdiction.
On the 25th it was
reported
to His Excellency that there had
been
no
further appearance of any Chinese Gun boat, and that the
Police launch accordingly returned.
His Excellency
regrets that a
Chinese Cruiser
should have thought proper to invade the jurisdiction of this Colony which must be respected
and
trusts that
you
will make
all necessary enquiries regarding
an act which seems
altogether
unjustifiable and which calls
for explanation.
I have etc.,
(Signed) J. M. Deane. Act. Colonial Secretary.