13.
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to be. Siracy when a man, having a commission lawful authority, destroys those whom he is not warranted to fight. I do not see how it is posible therefore to regard the cruising expeditions of ressel's employed as the "Spee" has beon, in any other light then as felonious and piratical.
These infractions of the Navigation Laws no doubt have been invited in the first instance by the inertress or impotence manifested by the Chinese authorities in the protection of their Native Trade from the disastrous attacks of piratical junks, and also by the facilities offorded to British vessels clearing from Hongkong for the East coast, instead of for a Port, thus granting a commission to merchant vessels.
How far either of these circumstances may be held to offer a plea in extenuation of the flagrant piracy, which has resulted, it will be for the law to determine. But an effective and stringent remedy for the evil is unquestionably required, and the legal conviction of these prisoners, if obtained, is calculated to afford a salutary warning to all who may be disposed to think with the owner of the "Spee" that they may assume and exercise such dangerous powers without competent authority or sanction.
A consort of the "Spee," called the "Dido," it will be seen by the evidence, is employed on a similar Service.
I enclose copy of a letter addressed to Captain Pitman, requiring him to send the prisoners to Hongkong, and there to hold them at the disposal of the Chief Superintendant.
I have, &c.
(Signed) Rutherford Alcock, Envoy Extraordinary.
True Copy
(Signed) A. R. Johnston,
Colonial Secretary.