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the Governor while passing through Hong Kong on his return to China; but Lord Lansdowne proposes to ask him to further consider the question, and to favour His Lordship with his views in an official despatch.
In the meantime, it appears to Lord Lansdowne that at present there are well defined Rules for the various categories of Anglo-Chinese mentioned in Sir H. Blake's Despatch. The procedure has the merit of being systematized, and accords with principles which are of universal application in every country, viz: that British protection cannot be accorded to persons of double nationality in their country of origin, unless they shall have divested themselves of their allegiance to the latter according to the laws thereof or in pursuance of a Treaty to that effect. This course is not possible in the present instance as Chinese nationality is apparently indelible.
It occurs to His Lordship that the discretionary power with respect to the Grant of Certificates, which Sir H. Blake suggests should be conferred upon the Governor, might possibly in some instances lead to differential