18. This surely is not "ample evidence" & Pang Yuk's "interviews" and discussions with myself of questions then engaging the serious attention of the Vice Roy and the Consul". On the contrary it seems more probable that as Colonel Pang Yuk had never really attempted the negotiations attributed to him by the Vice Roy & the Consul, and as nevertheless, on the Consul's suggestion did interfere and recommend Pang Yuk to discontinue his previous action, the latter must have supposed that he was thereby forbidden to have intercourse even of any ordinary kind with the Hongkong Authorities.
19. This appears more clearly by reference to the Mems: of Mr Mayer who gives a still more circumstantial account than the Consul of Pang Yuk's conversations and negotiations with myself - though they were all imaginary - and of the Vice Roy's disapproval of such conduct.