242
their pursuits by the impossibility of the Imperial Authorities openly countenancing those atrocities as ... against their servants, fresh complaints will ere long reach me.
Alcock, whilst the legitimate trade being the safer field for pillage ... will rapidly be squeezed to death.
For the moment, however, a partial ... confidence has been restored, and the legitimate traders, unless the present crisis be managed with combined vigour and discretion ... Blackmail on ...
The peaceful, careful traders, it must be observed, are by far the easiest prey; for of late the smugglers have armed themselves heavily and fleets going ... are prepared to fight desperately. Hence the contraband trade, such as it is, has not been reached by the new Policy of the Parseval and Sir Rutherford Alcock. The "Papage" boat, with most of the others, have resumed their usual trips.
Nevertheless, if nothing be done by the Chinese Authorities than disavowing their well-known servants, when delated, the former feeling of insecurity must be expected to recur.
Endorsement MA 27.
Therefore, in acknowledging receipt of the Consul's communication, I desired the Colonial Secretary to point out how necessary it is to ascertain whether any punishment was really inflicted.