Sin & Roger
Lee 2.0. gib
1200
#27.9/2
43
Sir
Admiraltying
274
A 25
954
"I have laid before my Lords your letter of the 22nd inst on the subject of measures for the suppression of Piracy in the China Seas. Their Lords desire me to state for the information of the Earl of Clarendon that the Admiral commanding
Chine is instructed to afford all the protection in his power to British interests in China & that a large naval force is maintained on that Station for the purpose.
That the extent of the coasts & rivers frequented by British vessels & the facilities afforded to piratical vessels by the numerous Islands & inlets on the Coasts must make it impossible for the ships of war to be always at hand to protect vessels that may be exposed to attacks which must be expected as long as an attempt is made by the Chinese to put down Piracy & that it will be for merchant vessels
"to be sent under Convoy
My Lords cannot go guarantee their safety.
My Lords would also point out that vessels trading under the British Flag are often manned by Chinese crews & are thus utterly powerless to defend themselves.
Hammond I presume
(sd) J. Paget