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DST JOINT MUTE E THE JUBJECT OF PIRACY
AS APPOOVAD BY THE COMMIT.EX.
298
The Powers represented in China, seriously
perturboa by the persi.tent recurrence of pirmay in
Biem
Southern Chinese waters, notably in Bios Boy, have given
close attention to the problem and feel obliged to make
the following coʻmunication:
Pirates are recognised as the eommon enemies of the
human race and their suppression is an international duty
incumbent on the authorities of all civilised ejuatri
In addition, a special obligation devolves on the Chiness
authorities in the present ocas, since the pirates operate
from bases on Chinese soil, whither they take captured
venucia, perauns and lout, and themselves retire for refuga.
It is thus clear that the suppression of pirates
in Chinese waters is primarily the duty of the Chinese
authorities concerned, who will readily recuɛnise that it
is in their own interest to fulfil it wines the insecurity
created by piratical activities is as prejudicial to the
interests of Chinese oitisene as it is to those of foreigners,
Zemlining however their joint interest in the matter,
the Powers deaire mot only to draw attention to the existence
of the evil and the necessity for its suppression but also
to offer their of.sotive couperution to the local Chinese
■utnorities. They will glesly discuse any suggestions
regarding the form of sue. ovoperation that the Chinese autourities
may care to put forward.
the Chine
The Powera earnestly trust th
eungerned will hestea to respond to this offer,
bnoriti
They feel
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