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It now however appeared that the Customs Commissioner at Canton was averse to the responsibility for this patrol being added to the duties of the Customs service and in November 27th., 1907, Sir J. Jordan reported to the Foreign Office that the opposition emanated from Sir R. Hart himself who was averse to the Customs taking any part in the suppression of Piracy.
5.
At the beginning of the autumn (August 1st.) there was no Viceroy at Canton and the Acting Viceroy was as I have said bitterly Anti-foreign and opposed to the demands made by the British Government while the Central Government was powerless to enforce its wishes. The Admiral was at this time in Northern waters. No effective action was therefore taken at the moment and it was hoped that the advent of a new Viceroy might render a solution more hopeful. The new Viceroy arrived on September 19th. and November 20th. the Admiral visited him at Canton. The result of this visit was that the Viceroy agreed to
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(a). Provide 4 new and faster launches for the Patrol service.
(b). The Patrol would be re-organised on a better system.
(c). He would provide for the co-operation of soldiers for captures by land.
(a). 2