CO129-134 - Public Offices - 1868 — Page 478

but I think it

having no authority to question the Col.

subject, Just on the au right to bring the matter to

to your

notice

as it bears prima facie evidence of

being

correct.

Possibly the Hongkong Govt may have communicated with the Chinese Magistrate of Kow-loong for the proceeding, but, if no such

authority

with danger

, & obtained some sanction

was obtained, it is one

fraught

to our amicable relations

with the Chinese Govt, a clear infraction

of international rights,

weaken our

+ calculated to

right of appeal to the Chinese

Govt for redress under similar circumstances,

et

the late levy of the Salt Gabelle in British waters being a point.

But, under

any

instance.

circumstances, the

employment of the Colonial Police beyond the jurisdiction of the Colony.

particularly

on a service which appertains

strictly

470

belongs to H. M. Squadron, is inadmissible,

unauthorised by any existing

certainly

serious

lead to

Treaty or Regulations, & may

difficulties Situated as Hongkong is on the shore of the southern portion Chinese Empire, great

& complications.

is on

the

of the

of

care & discretion

should be exercised in respect to international relations, & or

or juste milieu

can best be arrived at by the British or Chinese authorities keeping strictly within

their respective jurisdictions.

Your

obt servt

(signed) F. B. Robertson.