292
Sir M. Lampson said that the protest might offer
cooperation and contain a threat that failing satisfaction
the Powers would take independent action (1.8. independent
of the Chinese) and hold the Chinese responsible for dama go .
Mona, de Martel put forward the suggestion that
the Cantonese authorities might be induced by econom 1. 13
pressure to take action. For instance could not permits
to junks be refused?
sir C. Clementi said that it would, of course, be
possible to close the port.
Mr. Mayor said that he favoured a threat against
the pirates rather than against the Ezangtung Authorities.
kons. de Martel objected that in that ease the
Kwangtung Authorities would do nothing.
Sir C. Clementi said he was not sure of that.
He repeated the original idea of a note to the Ganton Auth-
orities plus a threat to send a cruiser to lie for sometime
in Bias Bay. Bias Bay was a sort of "no man's land".
There were no Cantonese troops there and the pirates raled
the place.
Sir M. Lampson interjssted that the cruisera
stationed in Bias Bay would require clear instructions as to
the setion which they were to take, and these would have to
be elaborated by tas kaval Authorities.
sir C. Clementi reminded the meeting that hugene
Chen himself nad suggested the stationing of a British gun-
boat in Bias Bay. General Li Chai-sum appeared to be onee
more supreme in Canton «nd he wanted to be friendly.
had sent an omissary to sir c. Clementi, just before the
latter's departure from Hongkong, and amongst other things
had promised that as soon as possible he would deal with
piracy. sir C. Clementi thought that an International
protest would strengthen the General's hands.
Hons. de Kartel observed that the General could
say that his action was taken to prevent a foreign landing.
Mr. Mayer