CO885-(10-11) — Page 565

469.

!

No. 444.

(ANTIGUA.)

LAW OFFICERS to FOREIGN OFFICE.

Lincoln's Inn, January 3, 1867. MY LORD,

We are honoured with your Lordship's commands, signified in Mr. Hammond's letter of the 19th December 1866, stating that with reference to our report of the 13th of December* relative to the seizure of the steam vessel "Bolivar," belonging to the Government of Venezuela, by her British crew, he was directed by your Lordship to transmit to us therewith a letter with its enclosures from the Colonial Office, together with three reports received from the Admiralty, relative to the movements of the vessel in question, and he was to request that we would take these papers into our consideration, and report to your Lordship our opinion as to any further instructions upon the subject which should be issued to Her Majesty's Naval or Colonial Autho- rities in the West Indies.

Mr. Hammond was also pleased to enclose the previous papers in this case, together with the drafts of a Despatch to Mr. Fagan and of a letter addressed to the Colonial Office by your Lordship's directions, upon the receipt of our report of the 13th of December last.

In obedience to your Lordship's commands. we have taken this matter into con- sideration, and have the honour to

Report

That it does not appear to us that any other instructions in reference to the ship should be issued to Her Majesty's Naval or Colonial authorities in the West Indies than such as are in accordance with our report of the 13th of December last.

In reference to the officers and crew of the ship, it is evident they have been placed in a situation of great difficulty, and while we remain of opinion that Her Majesty's Government ought not at present to interfere in any way on their behalf with the Venezuelan Government, we also think that nothing should be done to prejudice any questions that may arise between that Government and the officers and crew, and that such of them as may desire it should in case of need be sent home as distressed British

We have,&c. (Signed)

seamen.

Lord Stanley, M.P.,

&c.

&c.

JOHN ROLT. JOHN B. KARSLAKE. ROBERT PHILLIMORE.

016278.-358.

25-5/86.

• No. 443.

PUBLIC RECORD OFFICE

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Reference :-

Timmtm.C.O. 885

11 PUBLIC RECORD OFFICE, LONDON

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