island. The Viceroy is evidently trying to force stations into the same close quarters at Macao, that have been taken up. Both at Hongkong and, with no doubt, the same object of harassing the trade with foreigners.
There is private information that one of the Mandarin boats lately landed on the island and attempted to carry off a boat laden with cargo to the customs station across the strait.
It is unfortunate that the Portuguese and Chinese authorities cannot adopt the same line towards the authorities. Independent action, but identical and simultaneous, would possibly then strengthen the position of each.
That is no doubt true, but as we have entered upon another line of action, there would be danger in discussions connected with Portugal.
We must, I think, say that Lord Carnarvon is of opinion that it would be inconvenient to enter into any understanding with Portugal to point a concerted action.
[File reference: FO 8.17/1]
Sir,
Foreign Office, December 22, 1876
With reference to your letter of the 2nd of September last, I am directed by the Earl of Derby to transmit to you, to be laid before the Parliament, the accompanying copy of a despatch from the Portuguese Minister for Foreign Affairs, addressed to the late Duke of Saldanha, which has been communicated to this Department by the Portuguese chargé d'Affaires at this Court, relative to the proposal of the Portuguese Government.
[Received: 15 JAN 1877]
[File reference: FO 350]
To the Under Secretary of State, The Colonial Office.