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Banditti called the Black Flag: (from the colour of their banners), there is a strong garrison of Chinese troops, frequently re-inforced and supplied with stores and ammunition from across the neighbouring Chinese frontier. Large bodies of troops have recently been sent by sea from the North of China to Canton and Tonquin. The French Diplomatic, Naval, and Military Chiefs do not appear to have maintained very cordial reciprocal relations; nor, in all cases, to have favourably impressed Li-Hung-Chang, and the other Chinese Authorities.
I learn that, in no event, will the French attempt a blockade of Canton or of the other Treaty Ports, as such action might lead to complications with England and Germany. The French generally admit that they have committed in Tonquin the same fault as the English committed in Zululand; that is, that they have "despised" their enemy, and that they now require a much larger force.
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