Confidential.
Aldowy 70182
Sir
Hous
Long.
Copy
C.O..
24673
CC
Race | AUG 00
29
Government House.
2/7/00.
With reference to your Confidential despat-
ches of the 9th & 10th of April I have the honour to
inform you that during my absence I went to Peking
where I spent five days & where I discussed the
question of the West River piracy with H. E. Sir Claude
MacDonald. On the 8th of May I called by appointment
upon the Tsung Li Yamen, accompanied by Mr Cockburn,
Chinese Secretary, as interpreter, Viscount Suirdale,
my A.D.C, and Mr Ker, Assistant Chinese Secretary,
who took notes of the interview, There were seven
ministers present though two or three only took part
in the conversation. After some preliminary observa-
tions we discussed the matter of the insecurity of
the. West River at some length with the result that
the Tsung Li Yamen said the matter must be left to be
arranged between the Viceroy, Li Hung Chang, and me,
suggesting that I should see him again on the subject,
and declaring that they would accept any arrangement
made between us.
2.
On the 10th May the seven ministers present
at the Tsung Li Yamen returned my visit at the
British Legation. On this occasion Sir Claude MacDonald
The Right Honourable
Joseph Chamberlain M.P.
Secretary of State for the Colonies.
was