CO129-508-4 Cases of attacks by pirates 6-11-1927 - 23-11-1928 — Page 44

Canton about co-operation.

But as I had been informed

verbally that objection to co-operation would not be raised,

I suggested to the Commodore that the only thing to do was

for the British warships to get into touch with the Chinese

gunboats and arrange things on the spot. I do not know

whether any action was taken on this suggestion, but I suppose

not, as I should probably have heard of it from Hongkong.

5. On October 13th I received the enclosed letter from

the Commissioner for Foreign Affairs stating that Chines e

gunboats had been sent to Honghai Bay and promising further

particulars in due course, which however have not been

received.

-6.

Finally, on the receipt of your telegram No. 146, 1

have addressed the enclosed letter to the Commissioner for

Foreign Affairs asking for tus results of the punitive

expedition, and pointing out, in accordance with your instruc-

tions that the continued failure of the Canton Government to

deal with this pirate menace, in spite of repeated promises to take effective action, leads inevitably to the conclusion that the Chinese authorities are totally incapable of dealing with

the problem alone. Copies of the Chinese text of the letter

are being sent direct to General Teng Shih-cheng and Admiral

Chan Chak.

I have, etc.,

(Sgd.) J.F. BREN AN.

Acting Consul-General.