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Chinese Government has at any time declared its concurrence
in this view, and the Viceroy in the present instance
repudiates it. I have asked Mr. Max Müller to ascertain
what status is enjoyed by the inhabitants of territories
leased by China to other Powers. There would seem to be an
à priori difficulty in the assumed change of status, for
on the expiration of the lease, if the territory were
resumed by the leasing Power, the status would again be
changed, and persons who had during the currency of the
lease been born British subjects and according to the
Despatch must be regarded as British subjects would lose
that status and become Chinese subjects.
I have the honour to be,
My Lord,
Your Lordship's most obedient,
humble servant,
Manganes
Governor,&c..
P.S.
A copy of this Despatch is being
forwarded to Sir John Jordan, Peking.