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reserve the right to suppress

For Chinese territory, the Canton Authorities banditry. This reservation is made explicit on account of the reported intention of the Hong Kong Government to send Navy craft and airplanes to destroy the bandit strong- hold at Bias Bay.

The Canton Authorities announce their willingness to receive from the Hong Kong Government any information of a nature facilitating the suppression of banditry and express their appreciation of any co-operation extended by the Hong Kong Govern- ment, acting in conformity with the policy outlined by Canton Information Bureau.

XII.-Letter of 22nd December, 1926, from H. M. Consul-General, Canton, to The Acting Minister for Foreign Affairs, Canton.

Sir,

With reference to your letter of 15th instant on the subject of piracy suppres- sion, I have the honour to forward herewith a list*, which I have just received from the Governor of Hong Kong, of the names of known pirates in Bias Bay.

I would urge most strongly that the operations of the Chinese military punitive expedition, which are understood to be now in progress in the Bias Bay area, should be extended to the places named.

I have the honour to be,

Sir,

Your obedient servant,

(Sd.) J. F. BRENAN,

Acting Consul-General.

XIII. Telegram of 19th December, 1926, from H. M. Consul-General,

Canton, to The Governor of Hong Kong.

As the result of strong representations and threat of independent action being considered the Canton Government accepted the offer of co-operation in the suppression of Bias Bay pirates, and asked for a visit of a Hong Kong delegate to discuss measures. The Captain Superintendent of Police was sent, and a meeting with the Chinese military representatives took place at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on 14th. December. The Chinese then stated that joint co-operation on Chinese territory was not acceptable, but that they were themselves taking action, and that two thousand troops were actually engaged in a drive to the west of Bias Bay, Chinese gunboats be- ing present to prevent escape by sea. British co-operation was only asked to prevent escape of pirates into Hong Kong territory. It was pointed out that the haunts to the west of the Bay and the pirate villages to the north and east were apparently to be un- touched. but the military representative stated that these areas would also be dealt with.

*Not printed.