469
measures
-adopt precautionary against a revival of such events- and suggesting the advisability of one of Her Majesty's Gun Boats being directed to cruise occasionally round the Island - and also, that such a course would be productive of good effect in preventing commission of "breaches" of the law by Chinese Customs Cruisers : further, that as Chinese Gun-boats frequently visit Hong Kong, it is desirable that Her Majesty's Ships should from time to time appear in Chinese Ports.
Z
In reply I beg leave to acquaint Your Excellency that in my opinion the rarity of Acts of Piracy is attributable to the more faithful performance of their Treaty obligations by the Chinese Authorities.
3.
4. The suppression of piracy has never, within my knowledge, been so complete as at the present time - and; considering that this result is obtained in the most legitimate and desirable manner, it appears to me that until some remissness or failure on the part of the Chinese becomes apparent, it is expedient to let well alone;