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observed.
Mr. Hounsey suggested that the fact that the official
plan had not been observed was a reason for throwing the
responsibility on the owners and masters. So far as the
Foreign Office was concerned there was no objection to the
proposed rescission.
Captain Layton concurred, but urged that pressure should
be brought to hear on owners, either through the insurance
companies or otherwise, to sail ships in pairs. If one boat
were pirated the other could then make a simal; this would
mean that all ships would have to carry wireless and that the
wireless cabin would have to be within the bridge citadel.
The recommendations of the Sunning Commissioners (page
13 of the Report) were then considered.
Ho. 1.
received general approval; the difficulties of
an effective search, particularly in China coast ports, were
discussed, but go suggestions for improvement in this respect
were forthcoming.
10. 2. Mr. Southern said there was a feeling that His
Hajesty's Navy might in the past have done more patrolling.
He toughed on the question of permanently atationing a guard
ship in Bias Bay.
Captain Layton pointed out the difficulty of stationing
a warship permanently in Bias Bay owing to the insufficiency
of ships for the purpose together with other naval commitments
in China. The question of expense was also a serious factor;
would Hongkong be prepared to contribute to the cost? There
was also a possibility that the only effect of this measure
would be that the pirates would establish a new base elsewhere.
Mr./