increased.
It has also been stated that it is a lucrative business - State associations exist, aided with & provided funds sufficient to build and arm fast-sailing vessels for piratical voyages. The termination of the great rebellion in China has furnished ample supply of the most depraved characters to man those vessels.
Dr. Berthermy, the French Minister at Pekin, in his letter to Sir F. Bruce (enclosure to JB Letter of 9 Sep 1864) states that many of these vessels carry unlawfully the flags of European nations. In that letter, M. Berthermy proposed a combined plan of surveillance to be exercised by the Treaty Powers' vessels.
To a trial of this plan, my successor, Sir R. Alcock, on the 15 Sept 1864, stated that he was prepared to accede. Difficulties in its execution were suggested by Li Hung Chang, and in his letter of the 27 Sept 1864, he stated that further steps should be taken unless the French Government renewed M. Berthermy's proposal, and until it was ascertained whether the Chinese Government would take measures themselves for...
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