No. 279.
Government House, Hongkong, 41th October, 1899.
Sir,
I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your Despatch No. 160 of 28th August with enclosures, on the subject of piracy on the West River.
2. I have been in communication on the subject with the Commodore stationed here, to supply anything like adequate protection will necessitate the employment of more vessels of the 'Sandpiper' class, and small armed boats that can operate in the creeks.
The piracies near Funghai on the Forchhol Bay, Fatshan Lirs Bay have also become serious. Those piracies are perpetrated upon Chinese junks trading between Hongkong, Amoy and Swatow, and licensed in Hongkong. I have called the attention of Admiral Seymour to the matter.
4. As regards the West River piracies, I have the honour to ask your attention to my Despatch No. 278 of this date enclosing letters from the Hongkong Chamber of Commerce on the subject. The third letter was written at my suggestion, for the solution adopted from me and put forward is one that would not alone relieve the strain from piratical attacks...
Your obedient Servant,
JOSEPH CHAMBERLAIN, M.P.