There is one point & which I not long since had occasion to advert, but to which I think it expedient to call your attention in this despatch, in connexion with the settlement of the establishments in China. I mean the absolute necessity that all persons employed in the Consulates in China should be made clearly to understand that they must abstain from all active interference in Missionary pursuits. Whilst not at all seeking to undervalue the merits of those exemplary men who devote themselves to the propagation of Christianity among the Chinese people, I cannot but consider that the utmost inconvenience might result to the Public, if Her Majesty's Servants in China were to be allowed to associate themselves in such pursuits. It is easy to foresee that difficulties may and probably will arise from the zealous exertions of Missionaries; and it would be inconvenient, to say the least of it, if Her Majesty's Servants were to be considered by the Chinese Authorities, or People, as engaged in proceedings which they
Henry Pottinger, Bart
KC