Board
of
Trade
EL
★ H. M
with 2. Pulmerton in thinking it highly desirable to
five
any
assistance
we
Carry
to
the Chinese
authorities.
As
putting down piracy, I am afraid that there must be
grave objections to the proposal to create
a flotilla for this purpose.
2.
In the first place the Colony
does not possess the necessary pecuniary means for
even the original cost of the marine, even if it be shown that "this outlay" be repaid by the fees which it is suggested might be obtained from the owners of the Chinese vessels to which protection might be afforded, but further, I anticipate very serious difficulty & responsibility in allowing the duty of affording protection to be performed by such a flotilla. If any armed force is to be employed under our authority for this purpose, it appears to me that it should consist of Admiralty vessels regularly commissioned by the Crown and acting under their orders, & I would suggest for Lord Grey's consideration whether, if naval protection is urgently wanted by the Chinese authorities,
an arrangement might not be come
to with
the Admiral to
keep
some
of the armed steamers of H.M. Navy in
the locality for the suppression of piracy,
on
payment as might be agreed
to be
adequate for the liability to undertake
the performance of this duty
entered
into.
Sir
(
748. 1840 4. Kiry
77
Arcoled
Earl
Grey
on
the receipt of your
despatch
of the 10th ultimo, and
beg to assure you
of the Piracy which is
Carried
on
between
Hong
Lord Grey requests
will acquaint lescount,
that whilst