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proceed independently and yet be safe means a large number of armed
guards on each ship.
at the time no convoying launches were available and it was
found quite impracticable to get the necessary Naval Officers und
ratings to man any large number of launanes. I therefore
suggested that the cheapest and safest method to adopt was to
ma; e the Canton und Longman River Steamers Bail in convoy, &
large and efficient armed guard being placed in one steamer in
each convoy. These were to be armed with machine guns and be
available not only to protect their own vessel but also to go to
the help of any vessel belonging to the convoy if attacked.
This
system was adopted and ontinues to the present time. It has
certainly been effective in reventing ptratioal attacks but it
hus also aroused a good deal of discontent amongst ships'
officers and owners who do not like the guards or the delay
o used to the better found ships.
(4)
Grilles. The original system of grilles was greatly extended.
Here ag in whilst undoubtedly very valuable against internal
piracy the extended use of grilles is inconvenient from many of
the officere and omiers point of view. Also it has the serious
defoot that in oase of a collision any hitan in opening the
necessary grilles may result in enormous loss of life, although
the obvious retort to thet argument is that unless a river
at eumer can be beached at once or outside assistance is at hand,
the loss of life is bound to be great in any case. Still the mere fact that the passengers would feel that they were cooped up like rats would precipitate a panic and ninder the ship's ataff.
(e) Police inspection and sourones. Is undoubtedly most
valuable and should be continued, Frastically all attempted piracies have been on outward bound ships from Hongkong and striot searching at that end is a necessity. The Customs at Kongwan are also very efficient in supervising their end.
18.