230
It was agreed that, as the Governor had made no recom
dations, there was no need to issue fresh instructions at
present.
Report of the "Sunning" Piracy Commission Rescission
102-
of the Piracy Prevention Regulations of 1914.
Mr. Ellis explained the objects and past history of the
Regulations,
Kr. Southorn explained the difficulties that had been
experienced in getting owners and mesters to observe the
Regulations. An impression was created that, on account of
the existence of the Regulations, the measures for the pre-
vention of piracy were a government responsibility. They also
objected to spending the money required for the efficient
observance of the Regulations. The proposed revision of the
Ordinance would abolish the provisions of the Regulations as
a compulsory measure, and would throw the responsibility for
precautionary measures on the shipowners and masters. Indian
guards would in future be solely under the master's control
on board, but in order to prevent the engagement of known
undesirables they would have to be approved by the authorities
of the Colony before engagement.
Mr. Ellia asked whether it was necessary to consult any
of the Owners' or officers' Associations or Guilds before
approving the new order.
Mr. Boyd said he thought not, as it was clear that the
local representatives of these bodies had been consulted and
moreover these bodies had always opposed the existing piracy
regulations and would welcome their practical abolition.
Captain Layton deprecated the rescission of the Regulations
merely on the ground that they were unpopular and had not been
observed./