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by a Chinese Company, and I trust, 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.
If, however, British co-operation is again rejected, and if the Chinese authori- ties do not themselves take the necessary steps to put an end to Bias Bay piracy, in- dependent 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. This Government is resolved that British shipping shali no longer be preyed upon with impunity by Bias Bay pirates, and I have the honour to request that you will be good enough so to inform the Cantonese Authorities.
I have the honour to be,
Enclosure to I.
Sir,
Your obedient humble servant,
(Sd.) C. CLEMENTI.
Governor.
Telegram from Butterfield and Swire S.S. Anking at Amoy dated 9th May, 1927. (Captain Scott).
S.S. Feng Pu of the Sanpeh S.S. Coy, arrived in Amoy for bunkers this morning, and reports that whilst off Single Island on 6th May, a gang of pirates rushed the bridge and engine room and got control of the ship. They made the captain take her to Bias Bay, where a haul of over $10.000 was taken from the passengers. This took place at 4.25 p.m. on the 6th May, when the ship was anchored in a position one mile North of Tree Point. The Captain (a German) and the Chief Officer were forced to accompany the pirates in their boats, and returned to the ship after all the booty had been landed. They then proceeded on their voyage from Canton to Shanghai, having left Canton on the 5th May.
II.-Note of 12th May, 1927, from H. M. Consul-General, Canton,
to Ministry for Foreign Affairs, Canton.
The Acting British Consul-General presents his compliments to the Ministry for Foreign Affairs and has the honour to communicate the following telegraphic information received by the Governor of Hong Kong from Amoy.
The Chinese steamer "Feng Pu" of the Sanpeh S.S. Company left Canton on May 5th on a voyage to Shanghai. On May 6th she was pirated near Single Island. A gang of pirates rushed the bridge and the engine room and, after seizing control of the ship, they made the captain take her to Bias Bay, where over $10,000 was stolen from the passengers. This took place at 4.25 p.m. on May 6th when the ship was anchored in a position one mile North of Tree Point. The Captain (a German) and the Chief Officer were forced to accompany the pirates in their boats, and returned to the ship when all the booty had been landed, after which they proceeded on their voyage to Shanghai via Amoy.