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The duty of efficient patrol by rights belongs to China, but she has shown herself unwilling or incompetent to undertake the work, and would probably view with entire complacency its being vicariously carried out.
If you concur in these opinions the Committee will be well pleased to have your valuable advocacy in furthering their endeavours to obtain for British shipping greater security by an increased patrol in Chinese waters.
I have &c.
(Signed) F. Henderson, Hony. Secretary.
H.0.Bax-Ironside, Esq., Her Britannic Majesty's Chargé d'Affaires, PEKING