COPY.
No.2092.
Colonial Secretary's Office
Hongkong, 2nd December, 1899.
Sir,
With reference to previous correspondence on the subject of the prevalence of piracy on the West River, I am directed to transmit to you the enclosed copy of a Report by the Colonial Veterinary Surgeon on the subject of another case of cattle-stealing, and to request you to be good enough to inform the Viceroy that these robberies on the West River have so seriously injured the trade between Hongkong and the Kwangsi and Kwangtang provinces that His Excellency the Governor has considered it necessary to represent the present intolerable state of affairs to Her Majesty's Government; moreover, as the Chinese Government seems to be powerless to prevent these piratical outrages, the time has come when Her Majesty's naval forces may be instructed to take prompt and effective measures to protect our interests, which are injuriously affected by the prevalent insecurity.
His Excellency is authorised by Her Britannic Majesty's Consul, CANTON.