Colonial Secretary & H.M. Consul
Canton
(7. Enclos. in M.e March & Mr.
7 Feb. 8.186)
O'Conor
Lie,
Adverting to the Colonial Secretary's Office letter No. 206 of the 6th instant, regarding the proposed expedition against Pirates,
I have the honour, by direction of the Officer Administering the Government, to request you to be good enough to inform the Foochow Government that there is every wish on the part of H.M. Govt to take action against pirates - the common enemy.
Within Colonial Waters, however, this Govt concedes that the Officers of the expedition are allowed to seize pirates & Smugglers.
The Colonial Authorities will seize all pirates found here; & on due requisition & proof of their crime, will be prepared to hand them over to the Chinese Authorities.
H.E. the Governor requests that the Viceroy will be good enough to have the Officers designated in the Viceroy's despatches, instructed to give him whatever assistance they can.
I am to add that the Governor is under a misapprehension in supposing that the Govt of this Colony asked him to order the arrest of the pirates who seized the H.M. Consul at Canton.