425
to put in en appearance.
While I have no desire to relieve myself of my shure
in the responsibility for this unfortunate misunderstanding
at the expense of others, I think I am justified in saying
that the reply riven by the Barbour Master's Department
in Hongkong to our inquiry was, in view of the fact that
a collision of this nuture had been reported to them,
inadequate and misleading and that the Department is in
fr at measure to blame for the mistake that was radu.
It may possibly appear to you, that in the light of
the above-mentioned considerations, the surprestion on-
voyed in my telegram No. 30 of December 9th., nesly
that the matter should be placed in the hands of the
"ribish Haval Authorities, was premature and perhaps
inexpedient.
I made the suggestion because the publicity given to
the incident by the action of the Chinese Authorities in
bringing the vessel to Canton escorted by two- men of war,
the placing of an armed guard on board and, at the outset,
the virtual imprisonment of the ship's officers and crow,
•
egemed