Men asserting, especially when exaggerated, are not likely to be found influential as a simple narrative of the facts relied on.
You would also be glad if they could point out to them that the Portuguese Authorities at Macao assert that the Coolies collected there are absolutely free before embarkation, and that they are asked several times whether they go voluntarily.
And that they are thoroughly aware that if they reply in the negative they will be at once permitted to leave the Barracks and return home.
Love is therefore anxious to have some explanation from a Chinese source of the reason why the parties who are alleged to have been severed against their will from their families, when informed by the Authorities of this Colony that they are willing emigrants, and should they repeat that statement several times before the Macao Government offices, where they are asked whether they really are desirous of going.
If they wish not to go, how does it happen that they assert they do go? The Chinese must understand that an explanation on this point is necessary.
And I would advise that they appoint a business-like Committee to investigate the matter by personal inquiry at Macao, and that the Committee report in plain words the actual result of their inquiries.
I have no doubt that if they send such a document to my Government, it will not fail to be brought to the notice of the Secretary of State, as the Chinese are quite right in thinking that this whole subject imposes much serious attention in England, and there is no doubt that further explanation will be gladly welcomed.
(895) Richard Graves MacDonnell