COP
Translation.
Sir,
From Viceroy Tan.
7th December, 1899.
215
I am in receipt of your despatch of the 27th November, informing me of the piracy of the launch "Cheung Kong".
In reply I have the honour to state that, upon receipt of a despatch from the British Consul at Samshui with regard to the same case, I at once ordered the Authorities concerned to ascertain what steam launches and guard boats are charged with the policing of the locality where the outrage occurred, to record a grave dereliction of duty against the officers in charge of these vessels, and to oblige them to arrest the thieves and recover the booty. I also directed the Civil and Military Authorities of the Hsin Bui and other Districts to use their utmost endeavours to arrest the pirates.
Being now in receipt of your despatch under acknowledgment, I have again ordered the officials concerned to use their utmost endeavours to rigorously arrest the culprits without fail and forward them to Canton to be dealt with.