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for the Suppression of Piracy were either that the Admiralty should present the Colony with a suitable Vessel, or that their Lordships should Place at the disposal of the Colony One of its Gunboats to be maintained by the local government entirely under its own control.
The cost has been estimated at £4500 in ann Hor Each Gunboat.
These Vessels were to act in concert with a small Chinese Land Force supplied by the Chinese authorities in cases of Emergency.
These proposals could not be adopted because in consequence of the Military Contribution the Colonial Revenues could not bear the cost which they would involve.
The Admiralty were asked to allot One Gunboat at least to the Colony.
Sir A. Robinson was asked to convey this request to The Rt. Honble R. Cardwell.
Inclosure s. 119- dealing with piratical Cases, conveying suggestions for their suppression.