It was in this way.

Draft copies of the agreement drawn up in French and Burmese were exchanged between Monsieur Haas and King Theebaw.

But Monsieur Haas could not read Burmese, and he distrusted the King.

A trusted interpreter was necessary, and there was only one man in Mandalay that seemed to him sufficiently trustworthy.

To Signor A---- then, the Italian Charge d'Affaires and Manager of the Irrawaddy Flotilla Company, Monsieur Haas went and, pledging him to secrecy, sought his assistance as interpreter.
As Monsieur Haas had done, so did his Majesty the King.