§ MR. MOONI beg to ask the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he can state what has been done by the Viceroy of Canton in reference to Sir Henry Blake's proposal that he should assist in freeing part of the West River from pirates (China, No. 1, 1900, No. 411), and whether on the whole the nuisance has been abated.
§ * MR. BRODRICKThe result of an interview that took place between the Viceroy and the Governor of Hong Kong on January 15th is regarded as satisfactory, the Viceroy having expressed his cordial desire to co-operate with the British authorities, and having practically accepted the Governor's suggestions. No recent reports have been received as to the increase or decrease of piracy, and there has not yet been time for the new arrangements to come into working order, but the question is being carefully watched.
§ MR. MOONI beg to ask the First Lord of the Admiralty whether a water police force provided with fast steam launches to repress piracy on the West River has now been established (China, No. 1, 1900, No. 405); and whether any telegraphic report has been received as to the examination of the Upper Yang-tsze, appointed to be made in the month of April by Her Majesty's ships "Woodlark" and "Woodcock." '
MR. GOSCHENNo such arrangement has yet been made. The Commander-in-Chief has been in active communication with the Governor of Hong Kong on the subject and with the new Viceroy Li Hung Chang. The responsibility for law and order on the river-rests, of course, primarily with the Chinese Government, and while Her Majesty's Government will take such measures as the situation requires, the Chinese Government cannot be relieved of its responsibility. The new Viceroy has expressed himself anxious and willing to co-operate with the Governor and Commander-in-Chief for the suppression of piracy, and a further gunboat will be placed by us on the river. I should add that I have just received a letter from Admiral Seymour stating that he had 'been up the West River himself, as he thought a personal visit would help to 758 form his judgment, and he hoped for an early improvement. The examination of the Upper Yang-tsze, which was to be commenced in April, has probably not yet been completed, as no telegraphic communication as to the result has been so far received.