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2
subjects of the views of Her Majesty's Government. But that telegraphic instructions had been sent to him to explain to the Chinese Government that the legality of any seizures of rice shipments must be decided by the French Prize Courts, and that in the meanwhile Her Majesty's Government cannot interfere, though they have felt compelled to protest in order to reserve their rights.
I am, &c.
(Signed)
GRANVILLE.
No. 4.
ice or Individual
Hong trong
No 4890
(Subject.)
DOMESTIC.
C. O.
4 300 RECT
177
REGE 20 MAR 85,
(Treaty,) (Telegraphic.)
Sir H. Parkes to Earl Granville.-(Received March 16.)
Peking, March 16, 1885.
YOUR telegram of 13th. On receipt of your Lordship's telegram of 3rd, I telegraphed to Consul-General at Shanghae-Inform British subjects: "submit I could not have done otherwise. Many British and American steamers had contracted to carry Chinese Government rice from Shanghae to Tien-tsin. Tsêng telegraphed to Yamên, and Reuter telegraphed publication on 28th ultimo that Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs had informed French Government that British Government would not assent to rice being contraband of war. Publication of your instruction served to correct excitement caused by these statements. Ship-owners asked me whether they would be protected Owners in case of seizure. I replied on 8th--" All seizures are subject to Prize Law. should be careful not to infringe it." I have fully explained the same to Yamên. My action stopped large rice shipments, which was what the French desired, and bas probably prevented the seizure of several British vessels.
x
aign office
Date.
Seport of
Armo
19
Mar
previous Paper.
rof
Aur
231 Mar
2.0.
disposed of on 7844
5498
Governor's reply to trench Consuel
should be approved but further instire should be delayed for a few days.
(Minutes.)
M. Bramistin
Then the telegram drafted
#
on 4065
is not go for a few days
I ontmit a draft desp. to the Governor for today's mail
P.n.9. 20 Mar-
subsequent Paper.
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