CO129-133 - Sir MacDonnell - 1868 [10-12] — Page 251

the right of the Chen hair to be

considered as a

and what flay

should wear,

vessel of war

Chinese vessels of war

I should request

the Viceroy to notify through me

for general information what is a

the Chinese national,

of wor

Ensign; and in reply to state. that as soon as I could obtain an interviews with the Viceroy I

communicated to him the tenor

of your despatch and enclosures, and His Excellency stated that China has not a fleet in the Europea acceptation of the term, and. consequently has not a national Man of war ensigns, her naval

248

defences being represented by war junks in divisions attached to the several maritime provinces and that the gunboats of which the "Chen - hair is

77

one are under the

same conditions. His Excellency added that he will officially,

notify for your information the

entitled to.

rear

flag they will be

Freturn herewith the enclosures

in your despatch. I have to

(Signed) D.13. PRobertion,

(True Copy.)

Consul.

(Signed) Alexander Trater,

Assistant. (True Copies) I Jardine Auction

Colonial Secretary.

E