HC Deb 10 April 1885 vol 296 c1300
MR. COLERIDGE KENNARD (for Sir TREVOR LAWRENCE)

asked the Under Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, Whether the French claim the right to search for contraband of war neutral vessels bound to Hong Kong, which is British territory; if so, whether Her Majesty's Government have conceded this right?

LORD EDMOND FITZMAURICE

A claim of this nature has been advanced, but has not been admitted by Her Majesty's Government, who are in communication with the Law Officers of the Crown.