Enclosure
7.
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Copy
Statement made by the Navel Intelligence Officer before the Coroner in connection with "Tai Lee" Piracy.
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(1) Piracy Regulations. We have heard a good deal of evidence
as to whether grilles, etc., were kept locked. The old regulations laid down many rules as to grilles but omitted to say anything should be kept locked. The fact that a similar mission has been made in the new regulations, and not so far corrected does not seem to me greatly to the credit of those concerned.
The new regulations, however cover many of the points where the old ones failed notably no passengers within the grilled area of the bridge proper protection to engine room, etc.
artda.
(2) The evidence has shown that none of the officers carried This is in defiance of regulation 32, about which there can be no question. This omission renders the owners liable to forfeit their $5,000.00 bond.
(3) The conditions under which officers are called upon to
serve in these ships are such that the ordinary cleanliness discipline and efficiency of a British ship cannot be maintained by them. The fact that they are on a 24 hours agreement makes their position so insecure that many do not take any trouble to exercise command over their ships which are entirely in the hands of pilot, boatswain, and compradores.
(4) It is impossible to expect the conditions outlined above
to attract men capable of carrying out the regulations, or by their personal influence of rendering their ships unpopular with pirates. At present the owners regard British officers as a necessary evil which must be made to cost as little as possible, and they will not hesitate
to