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as steam could be raised in the Victoria the Assistant Harbour Master proceeded to Stanley to enquire into the matter and a copy of his report is also attached hereto.
4.
It will be seen that these Junks eight in number are loaded with saltpetre, which they had obtained in this Colony, that they are bound for Fokien in China, but that they are at present practically blockaded in Stanley Harbour by the Chinese Customs Cruisers.
Saltpetre is one of the articles coming under the head of Munitions of War, and as such is declared "contraband" by the Rules made under the Treaty of Tientsin, and undoubtedly the Customs Authorities are within their rights in boarding or detaining these junks after they are clear of our Waters. But it appears from the reports on the subject that they are exceeding these rights, establishing a blockade within our Waters, and, if the statement of the Junk people is correct, establishing also a preventive service on shore and within the Colony.
I have &c.
R. Murray Lumley
Harbour Master.
Rx