R.
Parapless Program
of
Sir H. Blake to in Chambulan
C.O.
1831
+
p.m? 16/1
1711
Per 17 JAN OC
1500
97
Seut. 12.40
Red (2.20 a.m.)
Yesterday, Li Hung Chang, the new Viceroy of Kwantung, lunched with me, and accepted with great cordiality my offer to co-operate with him in the question of piracy on the West River, since he has not sufficient gunboats, nor the means to maintain a large enough force. Admiral Seymour shares my opinion that there ought to be more gun-boats of the Woodcock & Snipe class on the river, & that he should be authorized to obtain, by hire or purchase, more steamers.
Li Hung Chang professed anxiety to work harmoniously with Hong Kong on all points to be settled locally with me, without referring to the Jamên. He did not see any objection to my proposal that all ports opened on the river should be for river steamers for passenger traffic only. He will consider the suggestion when he takes over his duties at Canton. He wished me not to pay a return visit.