727668-1854-PROCLAMATION — Page 1

No. 35.

THE

DIEV

ET MON

Hongkong

GOVERNMENT GAZETTE.

EXTRA.

Published by Authority.

VICTORIA, HONGKONG; THURSDAY, MAY 25, 1854.

GOVERNMENT NOTIFICATION.

THE Contract hitherto in force for the publication of GOVERNMENT NOTIFICATIONS having ceased on the 21st instant. be hereafter the only Official Organ of Proclamations, Notifications, and all Public Papers of this Government.

THE in for, that the HONGKONG GOVERNMENT GAZETTE, this day established, ant.

Victoria, Hongkong, 24th September, 1853.

JOHN BOWRING.

By Order,

PROCLAMATION.

W. CAINE, Colonial Secretary.

Crimean

WHEREAS I, John Bowring, Knight, LL.D., Governor of Hongkong and its Dependencies, Com- mander-in-Chief and Vice-Admiral of the same, Plenipotentiary and Chief Superintendent of British Trade in China, have been officially informed that War has been declared between Her Britannic Majesty and the Emperor of all the Russias, I do hereby announce to all Her Majesty's Subjects

that-

1. The Ports, Waters, and Territories within the Jurisdiction of His Majesty the Emperor of China, are to be considered as entitled to the protection which by the Law of Nations is accorded to Neutrals, and that all invasion of such Ports, Waters, or Territories in the pursuit of the persons or property of any of the Subjects of the belligerent Powers is to be deemed a violation of international Law and will be punished accordingly.

2. That arms, munitions, or contraband of War intended for the use of the enemy will be liable to şeizure and confiscation wherever found.

3. That the property of belligerents in neutral Vessels, such vessels not being in neutral Harbours is liable to seizure.

‚—or transactions for

4. That all Commercial dealings,-all negotiations of Bills of Exchange,- lending aid or furnishing supplies,- -or communicating information,-

‚—or in any other way forward- ing the objects of Her Majesty's enemies are strictly prohibited and will subject the offending parties to the rigors of the Law.

5. That all vessels conveying public Despatches or Official information to the enemy are liable to forfeiture.

6. That all persons engaged in fitting out or otherwise expediting the equipment of Vessels of War, with a view to act under any pretended Letters of Marque or other Authority from the Em- peror of Russia, and all persons in any way engaged in working or navigating such vessels of War, excepting only boná-fide Russian Subjects, will be treated as pirates.

And I hereby call upon all Subjects of Her Majesty to whom these presents may come to lend their aid and co-operation to Her Majesty's Government,

By His Excellency's Command,

W. T. MERCER. Colonial Secretary.

GOD SAVE THE QUEEN.

Given at Victoria, Hongkong, this 25th day of May, 1854.