To redeem its compensation shall be repaid for it, and in regard to the junks, he considers, as it was sought to be smuggled, it has to be considered as confiscated. I replied that the confiscation of the opium cannot be entertained; and the boat must be rendered immediately, and I added that the illegal arrest off the Hong Kong waters of a vessel trading in the waters of the Colony is an affront to the dignity of the Hong Kong Government, and that it is impossible to suppose that it will let the case drop.
I informed him that I would be averse to abstain from the ultimate step of communicating to Her Majesty's Minister or Her Majesty's Government on the subject until all hope of a satisfactory settlement has ended, and, although there has been great delay, I have every expectation that satisfaction will shortly be given. The arrangements now making for a commission under the Agreement will, in all probability, correct the abuses of which His Excellency the Governor complains.