FROM The Commander in Chief, CHINA,
10th November 1900, No.791/4266.
TO The Secretary, Admiralty, London.
Insults offered to the British Flag by
natives in the West River.
103
Submitted for information.
On more than one occasion previously vessels
flying the British Flag have been stoned, and if the Viceroys cannot take steps to punish the offenders promptly and severely, which would prevent these acts of violence, I can see no other sufficing course to adopt than to authorise the Officers in command of the Hiver Gunboats to punish the town or village concerned in such manner as they may consider best, unless they obtain immediate redress from the local Mandarin. The inhabitants of that part require a lesson : it should come from their own officials, but if not and quickly, experience shews it must be from us, and probably one such would ensure order and respect for the flag for a considerable time to come.
Her Majesty's Minister ooncurs with the above.
I have directed the Commodore to report acts
of violence at once to R.M.Consul General at Canton for
immediate representation to the Vicercy.
(Sd) E. H. Seymour,
Vice Admiral.
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