§ 3. Sir ROBERT THOMASasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether his attention has been drawn to the renewal of piratical activity in the China Seas; whether the consultations between the principal Powers with regard to this matter, to which he referred in December last, have resulted in the adoption of a definite policy; and, if so, what Powers have been entrusted with the task of suppression?
§ Sir A. CHAMBERLAINI am aware that piracy continues in Chinese waters, but the activities of the pirates have been considerably reduced during the past six months, during which period there have been only three instances in which their operations met with any measure of success. In none of these instances was 893 a British ship involved; and in only one case was the Bias Bay gang apparently responsible. The attempt to secure concerted action by the Powers represented at Peking met with no success, only Japan being prepared to co-operate with us. The Bias Bay area is now regularly patrolled by either a British or Japanese warship.
The question of piracy suppression was discussed by His Majesty's Minister with General Li Chai-sum during the former's visit to Canton. General Li was emphatic as to his intention to suppress piracy and stated that the Bias Bay area would, he hoped, be cleared up within three months.