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unsatisfactory and that no revision of them would be effectual
for the purpose of the suppression of piracy and that unless
the whole subject was considered, and all avenues explored,
no good purpose could be served by the signatories continuing
on the Committee and that if wider discussion which such
bodies contemplated was not to be allowed it would be better
if their representatives should withdraw from the Committee
and go thoroughly into the matter themselves and submit a
minority report. At the adjourned meeting of the Committee
the Chairman again made it clear that the wider consideration
was outside the scope of the Committee and the signatories
hereto accordingly withdrew.
Although both the Shipownere and the Personnel on
the Ships from the outset have realised the many defects of
the existing Ordinance they have unquestionably given the
ayetem more than a fair trial. They cannot, however, continue
to willingly subscribe to a system which from experience they
are convinced is wrong.
THE REGULATIONS.
It is strongly urged that it is
the province of the Navy to protect commerce particularly
British commerce against the depredations of pirates. Under
the Regulations the responsibility for the defence of the
local Mercantile Marine is thrown upon the owners and the
officers of each vessel. The idea of a merchant ship of the
class plying in the Canton Delta or on the coast having "a
citadel fortified garrisoned defended" (vide Report of Sui
An Piracy Commission) is as impracticable as it is absurd.
It is accepted as axiomatic that it is the duty of the master
and his officers to defend their ship but it is submitted
that adequate protection from piratical attacks from within
the