No.
193.
Hospices
0.0.
22
17631
Bee 6 JUN 00
Government House,
Hongkong, 5th May,
1900.
13320
Sir,
With reference to Sir H.A.Blake's despatch No.
130 of 31st. March, 1900, and previous correspondence on the subject of Piracies on the Wost River, I have the honour to inform you that acting on a suggestion made by
the Naval Authorities and after consultation with the
Chamber of Commerce, a ringle route has been decided on to be patrolled by Her Majesty's Ships with a view to
the better protection of the West River trade. The route
sel cted by the Chamber of Commerce is that from Samshui
to the rea by Wangmoon, Srilem, and Junction Channels, and the West River between Sanshui and Kongmoon.
2. I shall have the honour to report in due course
as to the effect of this policy on the welfare of river-
borne commerce, which has hitherto suffered so severely
from piratical attacks.
I have the honour to be,
Sir,
Your most obedient,
Humble Servantų,
M.J. Gascoipe
Major-General,
Administering the Government.
THE RIGHT HONOURABLE
JOSEPH CHAMBERLAIN, M. P.,
&C..
8C.
&C..
ve.