Colonial Despatches
The colonial despatches of Vancouver Island and British Columbia 1846-1871
Public Offices document
Hammond, Edmund to Rogers, Frederic 6 June 1862, CO 60:14, no. 5606, 46.
Abstract
Public Offices document.
Minutes (4), Enclosures (untranscribed) (1), Other documents (1).
Hammond, responding to Douglas's concerns about a potential boundary dispute with
Russia, forwards Rogers the opinion of
Her Majesty's Advocate Generalfor Newcastle's consideration. Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs Russell recommends that
it would not be expedient at present to raise any question on the subject with the Russian Government.
Hammond to Rogers (Permanent Under-Secretary)
6 June 1862
I am directed by Earl Russell to acknowledge the receipt
of your letter of the 2nd Ultimo, referring,
for His Lordship's consideration, a Despatch from the Governor of
British Columbia, making certain enquiries as to the rights of Great
Britain with regard to the Navigation of a river
flowing from the British Territory through Russian Territory.
I am to state to you in replythat
that His Lordship referred
the question to Her Majesty's Advocate General, a copy of whose
opinion on the subject is enclosed herewith for the Duke of
Newcastle's information; and I am to request that you will, in
laying the same before His Grace, express Lord Russell's opinion
that it would not be expedient at present to raise any question
on the subject with the Russian Government.
that His Lordship referred
the question to Her Majesty's Advocate General, a copy of whose
opinion on the subject is enclosed herewith for the Duke of
Newcastle's information; and I am to request that you will, in
laying the same before His Grace, express Lord Russell's opinion
that it would not be expedient at present to raise any question
on the subject with the Russian Government.
Minutes by CO staff
Mr Elliot
As this Letter is not marked "Confidential" I presume we may send a copy of the Queen's Advocate's opinion to the Governor for his information without objection on the part of the For: Office; accompanied however by the intimation made by Lord Russell that is not expedient at present to raise any question with Russia on this subject.
As this Letter is not marked "Confidential" I presume we may send a copy of the Queen's Advocate's opinion to the Governor for his information without objection on the part of the For: Office; accompanied however by the intimation made by Lord Russell that is not expedient at present to raise any question with Russia on this subject.
ABd
7 June
Vide Sir F.R.'s separate minute attached to Con/2623
B. Columbia.
Other documents included in the file
Draft reply, Newcastle to Douglas, Confidential, 1 July 1862,
forwarding the report from the Advocate General, advising that
the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs is of opinion that it would not be expedient at present to raise any question on the subject with the Russian Government,and instructing Douglas to keep the report confidential.
Minutes by CO staff
Vide annexed minute.
Documents enclosed with the main document (not transcribed)
J.D. Harding, Doctor's Commons, to Earl Russell, 31 May 1862,
reporting at length on British rights in Russian territory, and advising that the matter not be taken up with the Russian
government at the present time.