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Therefore, all that might be required at Hong Kong would, in my opinion, be sufficient security for the bond for fide exportation to Macao, leaving it to the Government of this city to watch the ulterior destination of the guns, according to the instructions existing here on this point.
Under these principles, which I conceive to be the true ones, I feel bound to believe that the restriction of the trade in arms and munitions of war between Hong Kong and Macao, will be less justifiable on the ground that these articles might become serviceable to the enemies of China.
Submitting these observations to Your Excellency's judgment, I have in conclusion to assure you that His Majesty's Government is unwilling that the Chinese Insurgents should be assisted against the Imperial Government, and that such intention is being carried into effect with all becoming strictness.
God Reserve Your Excellency.
Macao, 3 March/5th August, 1863.
(Signed) J. da C. e. Amaral,
Governor of Macao.
His Excellency
W. T. Mercer, Esq.,
Governor of Hong Kong.
[These Translation]
(Signed) L. d'Almada e Castro.