566
the suppression or proper control of such organisations
as the notorious society in question.
Unfortunately, E.B
I pointed out to Prince Ch'ing himself at the interview
reported in my despatch No.263, the Central Government are
increasingly reluctant to enforce their authority on the
provinces, and, though I have repeatedly warned the Wai
Wu Pu that the anti-Portuguese propaganda, for instance,
carried on by the Self Government Societyferiously pre-
judices any possibility of a successful issue to the nego-
iations at present proceeding in regard to the frontiers
of Macao, my representations have had little, if any, effect,
to judge by the continuous complaints I still receive from
my Portuguese Colleague.
I have the honour to be,
with the highest respect,
gir,
your most obedient, humble servant,
sa/ J. N. Jordan