TELEGRAPHIC ADDRESS. BONIFACE LONDON
ALL LETTERS TO BE ADDRESSED TO THE HONGKONG & SHANGHAI BANKING CORPORATION,
NOT TO INDIVIDUALS
517
Hongkong & Shanghai Banking Corporation, 31, Lombard Street, London, E.C.
July 18th
C.O.
#26373
Sir,
At the request of Sir Thomas Jackson and for your information,
we beg to communicate to you the contents of a telegram which he has received from Hongkong reading as follows:-
"Hongkong Chamber of Commerce Committee unanimously desire to draw urgent attention to Chinese piracy. British steamer 'Sainam'. English captain left for dead. Missionary doctor 'Macdonald' murdered. British crew. Chinese crew. Chinese passengers wounded. Ship pillaged. Press great importance impressing British Government in most emphatic manner. Urgent importance compelling Chinese Government to order Canton Viceroy to take immediate action to procure prompt capture, punishment and suppression of ruffians infesting Canton delta, including breaking up piratical headquarters who defy authority and terrorise local Chinese Government. Further, obtain substantial guarantee from Chinese Government for adequate future policing of West River and neighbouring waters. If not obtained, alternative should be British Government take matter in hand at China's expense.
"As piracy becoming daily worse on West River, life, property, trade absolutely unsafe unprotected. If nothing done, Chamber of Commerce warns British Government that further outrages will occur."
We are, Sir,
Your obedient servants,
Caddi, MANAGER
Sir Montagu F. Ommanney,
G.C.M.G., K.C.B. Colonial Office,
Downing Street, S.W.