1
}
1
unions owing to the paucity and uncertainty of their strike pay.
134
4. There have been cases of lighters, carrying British cargo consigned to Chinese and other agents, being stolen by the Students in pursuance of their policy of enforcing an Anti-British boyoott. The Japanese have suffered similarly. On 1st August,
a tug with an armed party from the "CONCORD" was sent to affect the release of three Asiatic Petroleum Company's lighters which had been stolen. However, when the tug arrived on the scene, it was found that the Chinese Police had for once in a way acted and secured their release on representation being made from the British Consulate. As further cases of theft occurred, I obtained two Motor Launches and, manning them with Naval crews, instituted Patrols within the Harbour limits from 0800 to dark daily. Since then no further trouble has occurred. The cost of the launches is borne by
the British Chamber of Commerce.
5. On 31st July, some adjustments were made in the disposition of the British Landing Parties consequent on the withdrawal from Shanghai of the American Destroyers of the 39th Division and the Marines of U.S.S. "Huron", after which the British and American numbers landed were approximately equal.
6. On the 7th August, I convened a meeting of Senior Naval Officers to discuss the general question of landing parties, as it appeared to the American Admiral and myself that our men were being used in certain parts for patrolling and carrying out Police functions. After considering the matter, the Senior Naval Officers agreed that the landing parties should, at this stage, only be used to protect public utilities and wharves. Consequently I informed the Chairman of the Municipal Council in this sense and that the
The strengths reduction would take place on Monday, 10th August. of the Landing Parties now are British 218, American 125, consisting of Marines from Manilla - all seamen having rejoined their ships, Japanese 280 and Italian 116, The Senior Naval Officers also agreed that the numbers of ships at Shanghai should not, for the present, be reduced, this would allow of a reserve landing force of about 900....
-