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for our own sakes, to get rid of the ruffians who infest this place and not only prey upon the Colony, but make it a base of operations for robbing their countrymen on the mainland.
One of the Canton Officials called on me this morning and expressed himself in the most friendly terms on behalf of the Viceroy to whom, as to all Chinese Officials, it is my constant endeavour to lose no opportunity of showing the desire of this Government to oblige them when consistent with the rules of our service.
These Rendition cases, however, I am afraid will, conducted as at present, always cause friction, perhaps some day even to the verge of hostilities, and I have long thought of bringing the general question before you for discussion. This seems a favourable opening.
I have therefore called ...
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