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to the Viceroy and have withdrawn the whole of the additional vessels. The ordinary patrol of the three shallow draught gunboats will be resumed next week.
2. Prior to the interview, Commander Majendie had accompanied Admiral Li Chun on a tour of inspection of the patrol service instituted by the Chinese Authorities in the West River and Delta, and had furnished me with a précis of the arrangements made, copy of which I enclose for Your Excellency's information.
Commander Majendie was of opinion that the scheme is a workmanlike and definite plan for a Preventive Service, and in this opinion I concur. With Admiral Li in supreme command, and Chinese naval officers trained in the British Navy as Inspecting Officers, I think there is great hope that a satisfactory standard of efficiency will be maintained, and I trust we shall hear no more of the piracy of British vessels.
3. I am now leaving for the Southern part of the station, but return early in March and will then pay
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