No. 3

I have to acknowledge the receipt of your despatch No 137 of the
12th April last reporting a serious injury to the interests of British
Columbia which is caused by the practices of certain American Owners of
Steam boats running on the Fraser River.

I have referred to the opinion of the Law Advisers of the Crown
the question raised by you as to your power legally to withhold a
British Register from Vessels becoming British under such circumstances
as those described in your despatch and I transmit for your information
and guidance a copy of the Report which I have received from them on
this subject.