Prince Kung to Wells Williams, September 24, 1873

Prince Kung to Mr. Williams.

Prince Kung, chief secretary of state for foreign affairs, herewith makes a communication respecting the questions at issue with the Spanish government about Chinese coolies in Cuba.

The foreign office has now appointed Chãn Lan-pin, a titular prefect, who had charge of the pupils sent abroad, (to the United States,) to be a special commissioner to go to Cuba to inquire into and manage the matter, and has associated with him A. Macpherson, now commissioner of customs at Hankow, and A. Huber, now commissioner of customs at Tien-Tsin, who are to join him and proceed to Havana at once.

These appointments were reported to the throne on the 21st, and His Majesty’s rescript has been received approving of them.

In making these appointments known to your excellency, it seems to me also proper to say, that as these commissioners on reaching Havana will be unacquainted with the people and places, I hope that you will make known to the proper officers at Washington their purpose in going, to the end that directions may be given to the American consuls at that port, and elsewhere in Cuba, to afford them such assistance on their arrival as will further the attainment of the objects of their visit.

His Excellency S. Wells Williams, United States Chargé d’Affaires to China.