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488
s? 21 MAR 00
FOREIGN OFFICE.
March 20th. 1900.
55-29
Sir:.
I have laid before the Marquess of Salisbury your
letter 5529/1900 confidential, of the 14th. instant,
relative to piracy on the West River.
Lord Salisbury concurs in Mr. Secretary Chamber-
lain's proposal to approve the suggestion of the Gover-
nor of Hongkong that he should be authorized to return
the visit paid to him by the Viceroy Li Hung Chang
and to endeavour to arrange with him for the loan of
some of the Chinese torpedo-boats for use in expedi-
tions against the pirates.
The inclosures in Sir H. Blake's despatch have
been forwarded to the Admiralty for perusal in accord-
ance with your request.
linder Secretary of State,
Colonial Office.
I am, Sir,
Your most obedient,
humble Servant,
Francis Bertie