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The masters of two ships (Captain Shearer, steamship "Szechuen,`` and Captain Fisher, steamship "Kanchow"), interviewed on this subject, advised that passengers and their baggage were searched when coming aboard by the ship's Indian guard (guard consists of four men). This search was stated to be thorough; if the captain had doubts regarding any passengers, the ship's officers also searched. Neither of these two masters considered it likely that pirates would board our coasters at Pak Hin Hok, and they were of the opinion that there was no incentive for them to do so with the object of piracy between Canton and Hong Kong. At Hong Kong the police always boarded ships, prior to a steamer's departure, and carried out a thorough search of all passengers, whether through passengers from Canton or boarding at Hong Kong.
Canton, November 21, 1927.