A frigate captain had fewer diplomatic options than a regional commander-in-chief. A captain normally depended on a consul to mediate, while Thomas could combine naval command with broader authority to negotiate. The king's acceptance of new proposals supplied the common ground for restoring sovereignty. The declaration required governments to protect foreign residents and avoid sanctioning injuries committed by their own subjects. Its accompanying interpretation applies that obligation to both Hawaiian ministers and British consular officials whose private disputes had become national affronts. Thomas combined the negotiated restoration with a warning that another unresolved grievance could bring the commander-in-chief and a larger force.
Notable Point · 1:09:01-1:14:30
A station commander could combine naval and diplomatic power
Thomas had the authority to offer compromise while retaining a credible warning that repeated injustice could bring a much larger naval response.