222
should be few such cases, as it is easy for a man to run
above the high water mark and escape. There have, however,
been very many cases in which boats lying on the beach be-
-low high water mark have been seized by the Hongkong
Police.
3.
I may add that the high water
mark limit in front of Shat'aukok is well defined and
marked with stones. There is a shelving beach and the sea-
-wall in front of the Chinese Customs' Station there has
always been understood to be the Chinese frontier. The
fact that Customs' "braves" have never functioned below
this mark seems to show that it has hitherto been accepted
by the Chinese as the limit of their jurisdiction.
4.
In view of this incident, I shall
be glad to learn from Your Lordship whether this Govern-
-ment is within its right in landing a patrol on the fore-
-shore of Mirs Bay and Deep Bay between the high and low
water mark.
I have the honour to be,
My Lord,
Your Lordship's most obedient,
humble servant,
Homay
Officer Administering the Govern-
-ment.