sub-enclosure to Encl: 2. 125
Copy
Hongkong General Chamber of Commerce.
Sir,
260301
Rac2
Hongkong, 14th August BJJ
It is with regret that the Committee of the Chamber have to bring to your attention facts that are not only reducing the concession lately obtained for opening the inland waterways of South China to a valueless point, but are also seriously hampering business generally.
I allude to the piracy and lawlessness on the West River and the hills, which make the condition of disorder and lawlessness prevail in wide districts of both the Kwang provinces. Bands of brigands, well armed with modern weapons, and possessing strongholds among the hills, make descents upon the villages and towns in the Silk producing and other prosperous districts and either plunder the inhabitants or extort regular contributions from merchants and producers. Traders conveying produce to port of shipment and those returning with the bullion received therefor are robbed.
M.O Bax. Ironside, Esq.,
N. 13. M.'s Chargé d'Affaires