591
by having really stout vessels.
The fact that they would be tenders eliminates
the necessity of carrying a large quantity of provi-
sions, stores, etc., and at the same time it would al-
low a change of crews from time to time.
2.
and
The raising of a Special Indian Guard,
This Guard should be raised at hongkong,
should allow 10 to 12 men under a European to travel
in each vessel, frequently searching same between
ports. This would save much work on the part of the
Hongkong police, work which can ʼn never be really ef-
fectual unless carried out to such a degree as to
make it practically impossible.
I think the guard is particularly desirable
on board the Canton steamers which up to the present
have been left alone, but no doubt they will be the
next victims now that the pirates have to look out
for a new field to ravish and to plunder. Owing to
the wooden awnings the grilles in those ships are not
so effectual as in smaller craft, a fact which adds
to the necessity of a larger guard.
3.
Searching of vessels.
In my Letter of Froceedings dated 1st July
1913 I expressed the opinion that the searching of
British Vessels at any time and at any place on the
Nest River by H.M. Ships doing patrol work would help
to alleviate the chances of piracies; nearly all the
piracies having been carried out by so called passen-
gers at places where their confederates were waiting.
This searching would not be necessary if my sugges-
tion No. 2 were to come into force.
4.
System of Signalling.
A