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volunteered to return to Canton for a few days for the transaction of any affairs that required immediate attention; & as, owing to the death without an Interpreter, of Mr Gibson, I was without an Assistant, I gladly availed myself of his offer.
I was thus enabled to bring to the notice of the Viceroy, and personally discuss with him, other matters pending. I mentioned to H. E. that it would be highly convenient in cases of emergency that the Police Authorities at Hongkong should be able to communicate at once with those of Kowloon; with this he fully agreed. I then mentioned that some understanding must be arrived at in the matter & I should be glad to have his views.
He replied that it should have his earnest consideration, and that he would propose certain rules defining the nature of the communication to be made, and settle with me. I remarked that in framing them he must bear in mind that the jurisdiction of either Government was not to be referred to in any way; it was simply an arrangement for mutual convenience, irrespective of territorial rights.
H. E. replied that that explanation cleared the question of any doubts he had entertained, and saw nothing in the way of coming to an understanding. As soon as this is arrived at, I will communicate the results for H. E.'s approval.
I do not quite comprehend the motive of Sir R. MacDonnell in bringing this matter before Lord Granville. I beg to enclose extracts from a despatch I lately received from the Colonial Secretary, writing by direction of the Governor, from which you will see that such communication as does exist between the Colonial and Kowloon Chinese Authorities, has ever existed, and that I have not interfered with it.