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FOREIGN OFFICE,
April 21, 1903.
Sir:-
I transmit to you herewith, a copy of a despatch which I have received from His Majesty's Minister at Peking on the subject of the insecurity of the Waterways in the Canton delta and on the West River.
His Majesty's Government, as you are doubtless aware, have been obliged recently to take measures to induce the local Chinese Authorities to make effective provision for the security of shipping in those waters and it is only after long and difficult negotiations that a satisfactory arrangement has been arrived at. The frequency of piratical attacks on vessels flying the British flag on the Canton and West Rivers has long been a cause of complaint against the local Chinese Administration, and His Majesty's Government cannot be insensible to the Viceroy of Canton's apprehension that the difficulties
Dls Honourable
Sir F. Villiers, K.C.M.G., C.B.
&C.
&C.