638
338
We
made to lend such friendly support to the local Chinese
authorities as was feasible; and we were informed of the
successful issue of an expedition undertaken by local
Chinese forces, in accordance with these arrangements.
are very sensible of the value of these arrangements for
co-operation with the local Chinese authorities; and we
consider that whenever opportunities of such co-operation
occur, they should be utilised to the fullest extent possible
subject to the necessary limitations imposed by the
political situation in China.
6. We are however sensible that in existing
circumstances it would be vain to expect anything approach-
ing the complete suppression of the bands of pirates which
infest these waterg. It is therefore very necessary that
in the Danger Zone there should be as effective a system
of precautionary measures as can be devised and maintained
with such resources as are available.
7. The system in force at the time of our enquiry may
briefly be described as follows:-
At the beginning of the year there were four of His
Majesty's Gun-boats engaged in patrolling the danger zone,
and later on a reserve gun-boat was put into commission with
a crew lent by one of His Majesty's ships on the station.
In addition four armed launches were fitted out by the Hong
Kong Government, with civilian crews and commanded by Naval
officers with Naval guns crews. (Later, arrangements were
made for the complete manning of these launches by naval
crews).
In addition to the maintenance of these patrols the
"Piracy