... 1939 the real signal of war saw the Secretary of State for British Foreign Affairs, Lord Palmerston, order the blockade of several key Chinese ports and cities including Canton, Pei-Ho, Amoy, Shanghai and Ningpo. Historian June Grasso describes Palemerston's push for the use of force against China, describing him as stating, "the only way to deal with China is to give it a good beating" along with stating that "...in England, members of parliament and several municipal Chambers of Commerce openly push for a declaration of war". British war ships surrounded the coast of Canton, clear evidence of Britain using force to ensure Chinese compliance and the first use of Gunboat Diplomacy during the time period. British use of Gunboat Diplomacy in this first Opium war is further shown by the introduction of Sir Henry Pottinger as the Commander in charge of this British-led war against China. Historian Immanuel C.Y. ...

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