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Hongkong, who were born in the Colony and have been permanently established in business there, may be discontinued in order to assure for them British Protection in China. Before, however, these changes are introduced, Lord Lansdowne thinks that definite instructions should be drawn up for the Colonial Governors as to the cases in which a Certificate may properly be issued, and he would be glad to see the Draft of such instructions before they are despatched.
His Lordship is further of opinion that protection in all cases should be limited to persons who have registered themselves as British subjects; and that where a person has failed to do so for a period of time, and then complies, protection should be limited to events subsequent to the registration; irrespective of the question whether he be proceeded against or not for non-registration. Lists, if possible, should be furnished to the Chinese authorities of those registered, in order that they may be made aware who are entitled to British Protection, and can object, should they so desire, to a particular individual before any dispute arises as regards him.
Lord Lansdowne also proposes to concur in the view expressed in the last paragraph of Sir E. Satow's despatch, and would suggest that it might be well to communicate the recent correspondence on this subject to the Governor of the Straits Settlements, with a view to the consideration whether a similar system might not be adopted in that Colony.
I am,
sir,
Your most obedient,
humble Servant,
Charles Hardinge.
may