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on them, but when they could not escape by land, they would flee to sea, especially to the islands in British Territory at Mirs Bay, such as Ping Chau, Wong Nai Chau &c. When the troops left, they would come to land again from the islands at sea and cause trouble. It is for this that piracy has not been suc- cessfully suppressed. If the Hong Kong Government can agree to render us assistance and instruct their Police and soldiers to stop the pirates at Kowloon and New Territory, or give us facility of access to British Territory in pursuit of the pirates, good result will be achieved and piracy stopped without diffi- cutty. As to co-operation in the undertaking, it would be better for the Governor of Hong Kong to send a deputy to Canton to discuss with us.'
"J
On receipt of this, I find it necessary to send you this despatch for your informa- tion, and I hope you will communicate it to the Governor of Hong Kong.
With regards,
EUGENE CHAN.
V.-Letter of 2nd December, 1926, from Acting Minister for Foreign
Affairs, Canton, to H. M. Consul General, Canton.
Sir,
I have the honour to inform you that I have just received a letter from the Com- mander-in-Chief to the effect that it has been reported to him that on November 17th four or five British warships suddenly appeared and went to and fro in the Hsin Hsia Ch'ung and Hsin Chiang district, while several aeroplanes also patrolled there. The warships have not yet left, and the aeroplanes pay frequent visits. I was requested to take the matter up strongly with you.
I would observe that foreign warships should on no account pay visits to, or patrol* in, the interior of China. For several warships and aeroplanes now suddenly to travel to and fro in the Hsin Hsia Ch'ung district is a serious infringement of China's sovereign rights and is most liable to create a feeling of apprehension among the people. I therefore lodge a protest and request you to be so good as to instruct the warships and aeroplanes to withdraw as soon as possible. Otherwise, if any misunderstanding should arise and lead to any disturbance, this Government will accept no responsibility. I take the opportunity of mentioning this point, and request the favour of a reply in the in- terests of friendly relations.
I have, etc.,
CH'EN YU-JEN.
Sir.
VI.—Letter of 5th December, 1926, from H. M. Consul-General, Canton,
to The Acting Minister for Foreign Affairs, Canton.
I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of December 2nd. complaining of the visit of British warships and aeroplanes to the Hsin Hsia Ch'ung (M) and Hsin Chiang (W) district.
*Compare this with Mr. Ch'en's proposal in the Hankow Negotiations, page 25.
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