16.18
19
14
19. to assist in investigating the pretext for these outrages. I had therefore intended deferring till next mail forwarding the enclosed documents, which I have received from him on the subject, with a view to accompanying them with any explanation which such further enquiry as the Konsul, to whom I have forwarded copies, might obtain.
NT Acting Reg? General
Colonial Secretary 62000 December 1868.
Enclosure No
Scarcely a week passes that this Government is not informed of one or more outrages committed by these semi-piratical cruisers. The hold which the Native Authorities at Canton have over Chinese subjects residing here, almost all of whom have connections and property on the Mainland, is such that nothing but some very bad usage indeed can induce them to make the least complaint of any wrong covered by a semblance of authority.
It is also most difficult, when they have made a complaint, to prevent their being so terrified by secret threats as to withdraw their original evidence. For this reason, I have expressly despatched to Canton the Acting Registration General, who speaks Chinese, that he might report his impression as to the investigation which I have requested into the statements of some of the parties complaining generally.
This much however is certain, because it is entirely within the knowledge of this Government, viz: that Chinese vessels...
General Secretary. 7. Janr -1869-