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On the point of their uselessnese it was explained that there was no evidence that any one of them had ever fired a shot with the intention of killing except on the occasion of the murder of Mr.Spafforth and the letter of the 0.8.P. dealing with the 0.0.0.G's. questions on this subject was submitted to the Col.Sec. who admitted that the point was very clearly demonstrated.
At this point (11.10.a.m.) the Captain Supt. of Police arrived and after introduction informed as that he had just had an interview with the Commodore and that the preliminary arrangements (subject to the approval of the Governor) had been made for the establishment of a system of convoys and escorts, details not yet being available.
After a lengthy discussion of the many points involved it was suggested by the Col.Sec. that we should take an early opportunity to interview the C.S.P. and discuss details so that a concrete minute might
This suggestion was agreed to be prepared for submission to His. Ex. by the C.S.P. and the interview terminated at 11.40 a.m.
The same afternoon a letter was sent to the C.S.P. asking him to grant us an interview on Thursday. No acknowledgement was received. Saturday, 16th. 10.15.s.m. Receiving a telephone message from C.S.P. imparting certain information, but as it was rather too long to commit to memory he was asked to put it in writing and let us have it in time for the meeting. This letter was duly received the same afternoon and will now be submitted to you.
"Police Headquarters,
"Gentlemen,
"Hongkong, 16th February 1924.
With reference to the representations made to the "Government by the China Coast Officers Guild and the China "Engineers Guild which include inter alia the provision of "escorts or conveys for steamera in the danger zones, I have been "requested to inform you that His Excellency the Governor has given "his consent to the establishment of a convoy or escort system on "the Canton River, and as far as Kong Moon on the West River to "begin with. The Commodore has prgmised every assistence provided The Colonial Govern- "he can get the concurrence of the Admiral. "ment is supplementing the number of vessels which the Navy can "place on this service by hired vessels to be manned and armed by "the Naval Authorities for this purpose.
"It is hoped that the convoy system may be brought into "fore within a very short time".
"I have the honour to be
"Gentlemen,
"Your obedient servent, Sgd. E. D. Wolfe
"Captain Supt. of Police.
The adjourned meeting was held on Sunday, 17th February at which 62 members of both Guilda were present when the interview with the Hon.Col.Sec. and the reply of the Government through the Capt.Supt. of Police was discussed and, on the next day, the following letter was addressed to the Hon. Col.Seo.:-
"18th February 1924.
"The Honourable the Colonial Secretary,
"Sir,
Hongkong.
Re Piracy
We have the honour to inform you that a letter has been "received from the Captain Superintendent of Police copy of which "is enclosed.
This letter was read at a Combined Meeting of the China "Coast Officers' Guild and the Marine Engineers' Guild of Ching "held at West Point on Sunday 18th February, when the following "resolutions were passed: -
(1) "That this Meeting has great confidence in the "arrangement and establishment of convoys and escorts being "placed in the hands of the Naval Authorities",
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