197
That Mr. Lucas was to request consideration us to take these papers into and to advise you
(1) Whether the contention now put forward on behalf of the Chinamen who had been convicted of murder within these territories was justified in law, and if so, on what grounds.
121 Generally.
In obedience to your Commands we have taken the papers into our consideration, and have the honour to Report,
(1.) That in our opinion the contention now put forward on behalf of the Chinamen who have been convicted of murder within these territories is not justified in law. The argument based on the word jurisdiction is not well founded, but apart from that the territory leased became British territory and Her Majesty had the liberty to provide that the law of England should apply therein. We understand that no question arises as to the jurisdiction of the Chinese Officials within the City of Kowloon.
(2) We have nothing to add.
We have the honour to be,
Your most obedient, humble servants,
Richard E. Webster
Robert G. Finlay