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The Consul-General is requested by His Excellency the Governor to point out to the Cantonese authorities that this information shows that the Bias Bay pirates are still active. On this occasion their victim was a Chinese steamer owned by a Chinese Com- pany. His Excellency trusts therefore that the Chinese authorities at Canton will take the necessary punitive measures, and will see to it that in future the waters of Bias Bay and the villages along its shore are placed under adequate police control. For the purpose of the necessary punitive measures, British naval co-operation will readily be given, if desired.
His Excellency the Governor wishes it it be stated, however, that if British co- operation is again rejected, and if the Chinese authorities do not themselves take the necessary steps to put an end to Bias Bay piracy, independent punitive action will be taken by the British Navy against Bias Bay in the event of any British ship being pirated and taken there, as has unfortunately happened only too frequently in the past.
The Hong Kong Government is resolved that British shipping shall no longer be preyed upon with impunity by the Bias Bay pirates.
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