CO129-298 - Governor Sir Blake Administrator Major Gen Gascoigne - 1900 [3-4] — Page 235

234

discuss the matter with the Naval Commander-in-Chief, so that we

might have some regulations to take back with us. I insisted that

I might return to Canton that day, H. B.. the Governor said "a

telegram can be sent to the Viceroy from this place for permission

to keep you here a day longer. Seeing that the intention to keep

me there was so strong I replied "When I return to the ship I will

then decide whether I will go or remain here". I then took my

leave. When we reached the entrance ball I spoke to Mr. Tsoi, the

Interpreter, and said "I certainly cannot be there tomorrow".

"The matter was thus. I had taken with me Mr. Wu Pao-bo,

one of the teachers of the Naval School, as my Interpreter, and

Mr. Tsoi, the Interpreter of Government House, was also present

and they both heard everything I said in reply. The promise that

I would go to the interview was really not made by me, as can be

ascertained by reference to them. After my return to the ship I

wrote a letter to B. E. the Governor and told him of my departure.

This letter was sent through the Post Office, and I then took the

Hongkong steamer and came back to Qanton.

"The next day I heard that Colonel Lu, when he went to

the consultation, had explained why I had returned before him. One

of us went away and one of us remained, and also a letter was sent,

and really I did not venture to entertain the idea of being dis-

courteous in the slightest degree. The matter was a very serious one and, not having asked for instructions from the Viceroy on the most important points, it was not convenient that I should consent to be present at an interview for the purpose of minutely dis- oussing the regulations. For this I feel very sorry. Having received Y. E's. instructions to explain fully my reasons for the course I took, it is my duty to send you this explanation".

Having received the foregoing, I have the honour to

communicate

1