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children of Chinese parents, who were themselves not naturalized or born British subjects, are not entitled in China to be considered or treated as British subjects, notwithstanding that they may have been born in a British Colony or possession. It would seem to be the object of this rule to prevent in China the abuse of the rules of English law on the subject of birth conferring citizenship, which would in all probability occur if Chinese subjects could obtain for their children the status of British-born subjects by simply providing for their birth taking place in a British possession. Chinese naturalized in a British Colony can claim no rights beyond such Colony or possession. The moment they enter China they owe allegiance to the Sovereign of China.
It follows from what has been said that if a person of Chinese race be a British subject, he is entitled to the privileges and must submit to the disabilities of that character. These privileges are defined by Treaty, and if a native born Englishman of the Anglo-Saxon race cannot reside permanently in the interior of China, cannot travel without a passport, cannot buy or inherit landed property, cannot own a Chinese Ship, neither can a British subject of the Chinese race.
# It