279
that my ordinary source of information in such a case
would be the British Consul General at Canton. He said
that the Portuguese Consul at Canton was already in
communication with Mr Jamieson (who has recently succeeded
Acting Consul General Fox) and that the latter was doing
his best to ascertain the facts. I said I would make
such enquiries as were in my poyer.
3.
I gathered the impression that General
Machado considered the continuation of the negotiations
altogether hopeless, and that arbitration was the only
resource left, but that he feared to break off the
negotiations lest the Chinese should "occupy the territory
in dispute", which in effect meant an attack on Macao,
and the occupation of the Macao waters since the Chinese
deny the Portuguese rights in the Harbour.
I have the honour to be,
My Lord,
Your Lordship's humble, obedient servant,
garch
Governor.