CO129-369 - Acting Governor May Governor Sir Lugard - 1910 [10-11] — Page 333

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reported in my Confidential Despatahes of the 21st. July

and 6th. August concerning the difficulties encountered by

the Portuguese Authorities in dealing with a large gang of

robbers in the island of Colowan are evidence of the

numbers of robbers and pirates with which the Authorities

have to deal. It is stated on good authority that the

number of desperadoes at Colowan was not less than 160 well

armed with rifles. Of this number the Fortuguese killed

or captured only a small proportion. A few more were

arrested in this Colony, but the large majority are still

at large. It is to be noticed that at Colowan the method

was to kidnap Chinese in China and hold them to ransom.

Whether the administration of the Department is responsible

for any of the increase is a question that it is not

possible to answer without prolonged investiration.

I have the hon our to be,

My Lord,

Your Lorship's most obedient,

humble servant,

Officer Administering the Govern-

-ment.