CO129-416 - Public Offices - 1914 — Page 611

!

Copy.

No: 23

and two copies.

MR. JAMIESON TO H.M.MINISTER

Sir.

H.B.M.Consulate-General,

Canton.

May 8th, 1914.

604

Having reference to my despatch No: 22 of

the 7th instant, regarding the very serious piratical

attack outside Hongkong waters on April 27th on the

British steamer "Tai On" I have the honour to enclose

copy of a despatch which I have addressed to His

Excellency the Governor in connection therewith.

The Chinese are for the present loyally and energetically co-operating with the Colonial

Authorities in tracking down the miscreants, but

there is every likelihood of this energy proving

shortlived.

Inasmuch as in recent cases the pirates

have boarded the steamers, which they propose to

attack, in Hongkong, and as there can be no doubt

that they procure their arms from there, increased

vigilance on the part of the Folice would seem called

for, but I do not think that any augmentation of the

West River flotille, even were the Admiralty in a

position to make such, would contribute materially

towards the suppression of these daring gangs.

I have, etc.,

(Signed) J.W. JAMIESON.

Consul-General.

JOHN JORDAN, G.C.I.E.,K,C.B.,K.C.M.G.,

&C.

&c..

HIS MAJESTY'S MINISTER

PEKING.