I regret Sir that I should have occupied so much space in dealing with this subject & now I fear that I may have failed in putting My views clearly before you, but that is an omission which can be rectified.
My services will always be at the command of the Secretary of State for the Colonies. I have now only to add that I have a practical acquaintance with the whole matter treated of & that my conclusions are the result of personal observation.
I have the honor to be,
Your most obedient
humble servant
M Bridges
Mr. Merint, I should fear that this scheme of Mr. Bridges is impracticable & that his plan, if carried out to its full extent, is unlikely to involve this Colony in conflicts with foreign powers more serious than the continuance of piracy.
But some Local Ordinance passed prohibiting armed native vessels on the waters of Hong Kong and establishing a water police, or coast guard, to be placed under the authority of the local Government, is beyond question necessary.
It is highly prejudicial to our Commerce, which under other circumstances would be much extended, and it belongs to a great power like England to establish preventive measures against such piracy.
This seems to me to be clearly indicated in the letter, & the writer's conclusions are all rational & definite.
I think that the suggestions contained in this letter are well deserving of your consideration in concert with the Foreign Office & the Admiralty.
The authorities of the latter department have the impression that the larger ...