to be destroyed by H.M. Ships, unless the piers in command are requested by a competent Chinese authority to aid in doing so; not unless, on the other hand, a Political offence is detected in the act.
9. Piracy. 2. Where a junk is suspected of illegal practices she may be detained by H.M. his ships and handed over to the nearest Chinese authority in order that her proceedings may be investigated.
3. Should there be reasonable grounds for suspecting a junk in the Yangtze River of illegal practices, she may also be detained and handed over to the Chinese Authorities, but she is not to be destroyed by H.M.'s Ships.
4. The attention of the Officers in Command is also drawn to the fact that trade on the Yangtze River is confined to the ports of Kiukiang and Hankow; and that if junks or boats owned or manned by foreigners proceed up creeks, or attempt to trade at other places on its banks, they must do so at their own risk.
By a strict adhesion to the rules herein laid down, it is hoped that security will be given to trade without exposing the Officers of H.M.'s ships to remonstrances against acts of violence, which in many instances cannot be justified.
Article 42
In considering applications which may be made to the Officers in command of H.M.'s ships by competent Chinese Authorities, to aid in the suppression