the expression of Piracy - to
&uch an
extent at last
as
shall remove all & ources
of danger to Foreign Ships-
after which it
an
ceases to be
an
international question.
This
assumes, however that
Pirates
Could
no longer find
harbors of refuge in the Ports of Hong Kong and Macao, nor facilities for refitting and the purchase of Arms beyond
the
Control of their own
Government and Ife as much
has yet to be
done
to ensure
this
indispensable condition.
How far it
is
possible to
attain the end
by all these means
Combined within a reasonable
period
is
a
question of Serious
Concern, and on
that it is
impossible to give any very
decided opinion.
(Signed)
Rutherford Alcock