the reports of the authorities at Macao; and I have to instruct you to state to the Portuguese Government that H.M. Govt have come to the conclusion that the grave questions of procedure which have arisen in the matter render it undesirable for them to carry the proceedings any further. You will express to the Marquis de la Bandiera, the regret of H.M. Govt at the difficulties & delay which have taken place in this case, & you will explain to H.E. that it will always be open to the Govt of Macao to take proceedings in the usual form before the Hong Kong Law-Courts against anyone who libels it in that Colony.
You will eventually return the printed documents enclosed in the Col: Off: letter,