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On the 27th.ultimo it was reported to me that
the person referred to, who is, I understand, amember of the
Reform Party, had been enticed on board the steamer which had left for Canton the same morning, and that he was virtually under arrest on board.
I telegraphed to Her Britannic Majesty's
Consul at Canton and asked him to board the steamer, a
British Ship, on her arrival at Canton, and if necessary,
to prevent the forcible removal of Kwong.
The Consul boarded the steamer with an officer
and landing party from Her Majesty's Ship "Sandpiper"
but Kwong had just landed. In the meantime a special launch
had been sent to Canton by the friends of Kwong with a
letter warning him that he was in danger. On receipt of
the letter Erong took a boat for Macao, from whence he
returned to HongKong.
There is some ground for believing that the
Chinese Authorities are anxious to secure Kvong's arrest,
but he left HongKong of his free will and was not inter-
fered with on board the steamer that took him to Canton.
I have the honourto be
Sir,
Your most Obedient
Humble Servant
Atbals
GOVERNOR, &C.