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2430itt. oil μl ord s.3
Ilacus nI
944 1943
who in conference with me made a sketch and took notes of the names of many islands, which lie in the estuary of the said river and where, for us Portuguese, for a long time, have appeared certain proofs that the pirates saelter themselves in preference in those islands.
I have no reasons for celieving that any pirates may be taking refuge in the territories that are still in dispute between Portuga) anɑ China (une island of Tai Vong Kam) (Montanha or lountains) the island of Siu Tong Kam or Don Juao, and the island of Lapa). But I believe that it is on the said Chinese Islands and not on the disputed territories that we may probably find the bands of pirates, which are infesting the South of China, but, notwi jis tanding this fact as it is also possible that the pirates nave sought shelter in these "islands in dispute" I had the intention of beating these islands ith my military forces, making known the fact previously to the Lutiorities of Canton in order that they might co-operate in this action if they were willing.
In the letter of 30th. August Your Excellency
has asked that any of these operations should be deferred until You Excellency was able to organise a joint expedition whose chance of success seemed greater.
I confess that I had at once the intention of
answering then, as I answer now, that the Portuguese troops at Lly disposal are enough to beat the islands in dispute, and that I may even dispense with the help of the Chinese troops if tue Canton Goverment do not wish to collaborate in the operations that I will try on those three islands.
Therefore my surprise was enormous when I
learned from an official co..unication received on the 3rd.
secret September from the Canton Government now confirmed by your/letter
of today that the Centon Coverment are willing to land troops
for the pursuit of une pirates in the "Islands in Dispute" and that
help will be given by Bri ish men-of-war.