253
subsequently abstain
as much as possible
from communicating with the Mandarin.
I say as much as possible because
where there is dual contact between two
friendly peoples and places it is simply
an impossibility to prevent their inter-
changing ideas and mutual good offices if so inclined.
On all these points, however,
Mr. Smit who is now in Hong Kong will on leave
give more accurate information. I may early add that I was
simply reluctant to have anything done which might get difficulties at Canton, and it was
perhaps my strictness which induced Mr Deane, Superintendent of Police, to address a
communication to me on the inconvenience resulting. I thought that communication was sufficiently important to deserve the Colonial Secretary to forward it to Consul Robertson who after reference to Sir Rutherford Alcock has sent the reply, which I now
Enclosure No.2 transmit, and in which he quotes largely
from a despatch of Sir R. Alcock:
26th December
No
I think anyone can
peruse the correspondence without feeling the absurdity
into which a too extravagant adherence to the best official Rules must occasionally
lead. Sir R. Alcock in a matter, which merely regards persons living,
as it were, in adjoining fields, diverges into a
very remarkable lecture on
the abstract necessity for never