087
- An
din 2 RAI M
I
A
:
I had accordingly a further interview with the Wai
Wu Pu on the 8th instant at which the understanding that
the Custors should have from 6 to 8 Launches for use in
connection with piragy repression and preventive work
was confirmed, The Ministers promised to telegraph to
the Viceroy and ascertain how many suitable launches he
could place at the disposal of the Customs. Sir R.Habt
would receive authority to purchase the remainder from
Customs funds of which he had a considerable surplus.
communicated the result of this interview both to
Sir R.Hart and Mr.Hansfield and instructed the latter to
keep in close personal communication with the Viceroy on
the subject.
A telegram which I have received from Mr.Mansfield
to-day, and of which I have the honour to enclose a para-
Phrase, affords some hope of a favourable issue to these
protracted negotiations. The Vineroy, referring to try
proposal that the Guatoes should be authorised to find
the necessary funds for the purchase of more Launches to
suppress piracy and search passengers, pronounces the
soheme to be quite feasible, but stipulates that the duty
and authority of the Customs in dealing with the question
should be clearly defined.
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