Copy.
H.M.S. "Robin",
Samshui.
11th November, 1927.
314
Sir,
I have the honour to forward the following report on
the situation and incidents at Samshui and Sainam.
In accordance with your signal 1845 of 9th November
I proceeded to Samshui with all despatch anchoring at 0055
on November 10th, Lieut. Ashby was sent ashore on arrival
to interview the Commissioner of Customs. The latter informed
him that there was, and had been, no trouble of any sort at Sam-
shui or Sainam and that he had no reason to expect any. This
information which, as it came from the Commissioner, I took
to be reliable, I reported to you in my signal 0130/10.
The following morning I got into touch with the
Asiatic Petroleum Company's representative, who came on board.
From him I learnt that the so-called attacks had been made
on Sainam lately. The first, on October 30th, was on the town
and the second, on November 7th, on the "Flower-boat" which
had not paid a fee demanded by the pirates.
Through Mr. Vander Star (The Asiatic Petroleum Company's
representative) I arranged to meet the Chief of Police
of Sainam Samshui District at 12.15 on 10th November.
The Commissioner of Customs called during the forenoon
but had no news, except that a new magistrate had been appoint-
ed in Samshui.
At 1205 the Dosing- Sainam tow was fired at with two
machine guns and rifles when nearly opposite Asiatic Petroleum Company installation. The tows stop and turn round to dis-
charge cargo etc. here as there is not sufficient water at
the present state of the river for them to proceed over the
bur into Sainam. The "War Junk" in the tow returned the fire The Commodore,
Hongkong. &
Senior Naval Officer,
WEST RIVER.
but/