that it would be very difficult to be undertaken.
I have the honor to be, Sir, your most obedient Servant, Richard Graves MacDonnell, Governor.
24 Sept 66
Sir R. Macdonnell notwithstanding Attacks which have been made upon him suggests that combined Action for it's suppression should be taken. He also says that French, American & Russian Power are needed upon the Station.
The Admiralty made a somewhat similar Suggestion for Combined action at the China Seas, Lord Clarendon in reply but Sir Charles Wood thinks it not advisable to propose it to the Maritime Powers, and added that Great Britain must rely upon her own Exertions to keep the safe & free in the China Seas.
It appears to me that it is for the Admiralty to place a few Superior Gunboats & 2 light-Draught Vessels of speed on the Station and that Sir R. Macdonnell should continue his Exertions to rid the Colony and it's harbors of Piratical Junks.
Leave the Navy to take care of the Waters beyond. I send a copy this to F.V. at Aden & for consideration calling attention of the latter dept to Sir R. Macdonnell's statement respecting the Gunboats.
I annex the private letter from Sir R. Macdonnell to you which I have not withheld from you.