im45 PLE
588
be found inexpedient, or, in other words, that the experiment has failed, owing partly to the opposition of the maritime population and the difficulty of enforcing the terms of the Proclamation is not surprising.
My impression, has always been, that what might easily be done in the narrow waters of Hong Kong would be found all but impossible on a long coastline, indented with bays and harbours, and that unless entire protection, to person and property could be guaranteed in exchange for a total disarmament, the attempt in the proposed manner to suppress piracy, had better not be made.
Under the circumstances however it was not for me to make objections, but I fully recognise, and indeed, anticipated, the difficulties of the position the Viceroy finds himself placed in, and I trust His Excellency the Governor will make every allowance for them. Something, however, will be gained by a strict Registration of the fishing boats, and an evidence afforded of their honesty not hitherto existing. The rigorous decree of total disarmament may