approach the Viceroy personally
it would not be more unwise if he were
the
Minister at Peking through
the subject, but
should be approached on this. Is the Tsungli Yamen to take action
measures against the Pirate villages, without consulting Peking, might surely lead to awkward
complications?
Copy to F.O. for early comment with reference to 30652 saying Mr Chamberlain presumes that Lord Salisbury will communicate
with the Tsungli Yamen through H. M.'s Minister at Peking
F.O. 345 31613
Paraphrase of a Telegram received from Governor
of Hongkong of 15th November 99
S. S. "Cheongkong"
any steps which it
may
be decided to take in the
his
m
matter. And if Lord Salisbury approves of Mr Chamberlain's replying to the above effect ]
Say
Mr Chamberlain thinks that steps may shortly be taken
are taken in this direction
with a view to checking the prevalence of piracy & would be glad to be informed what ships
And add that we have communicated these papers to the Admiralty.
our letter to F.O.
to letter on 30652*
And send copy of this Telegram & of Admiralty with
reference
T.E.M.
18/11
? omit [ ] and ask what amount should be sent to the Admiral.
Dist almuer
GWJ 18/10. Rutt
LAJ
20
seized by Chinese British subjects
and sailing from Hongkong
between Lancashire & here on
taken possession of which after
WAA
pirated near Kumwhack
Sunday
and having been used by pirates to attack a junk
over
a
hundred shots had been fired
was
also pirated and large amount of property taken. Master
was wounded. The pirate villages
are
of Cheong Kong accessible from the River and well known. The state of
this portion of the River is intolerable : last week
Chinese salt-junks carrying in the
guns & containing
500 tons
were
aggregate forty
held to ransom
by
these pirates & were relieved by H. M.'s Ships "Sandpiper"
with
"Tweed" & a Torpedo Boat. I have consulted Admiral Seymour & Sir C. Macdonald who concur
with me that effective measures should be taken
against the pirates. China is helpless here. I should desire
to assist in
becoming
freeing this portion of the River from
control of the pirates. I fear such a course meet
with your approval:
Grate.