Sir,
Pirates along its whole intricate line of navigation.
This the foot vows it is unable to ds; it declined Britial assistance to enforce the Proclamation, & now the Proclamation is withdrawn.
It is satisfactory to know that Piracy is by no mens extinct, it is reduced in its extent & has become comparatively rare in the immediate vicinity of Hong Kong, & that attacks on Europeds vessels now seldom occar.
My Lords desire me to state, for the inform of Lord Stanley, that under the present circumstances, they do not think that any further instructions can be given to the Noval Commander in Kief, beyond directing him to take every precaution in his power for the protection of Britial Commerce in those seas.
W. G. Romaine.
In 1291465 7.0. Nov. 20.1868.
597
I transmit to you, herewith, for your infor, a copy of a letter from the Admiralty respecting the revocation of the Proclamation ipued by the Viceroy of Canton some time back for the disarmament of Junk's & Fishing Rost.
You will perceive that the Board of Admiralty are of apinion that the only instruction to be given to the Britial Admiral under the circumstances is that he must take every precaution in his power for the protection of British Commerce in the China seas.
Jam &c.
(signed) Stanley.
(rejd) ir R. Alcock K. C.B.
r240. Copy.