protected by British armed guards until such time as
ordered Government, capable of preventing these
piratical raids, is established in China. It is
the official view of our friends the China Coast Guilds,
that the presence of British Guards aboard steamers is
the only effective prevention against piracy, and
40
we have consulted a considerable number of officers in
London who are familiar with conditions in the China
Coastal Trade, and in every case they concur with this view.
We understand that at least thirty-one
vessels
have been pirated since January 1921, and in several
cases British officers have been either killed or maimed.
Although we are primarily concerned with the interests of
the Officer personnel, we would also draw attention to the
very material losses which must have been sustained by
British Shipping Companies and/or Underwriters, and in addition
to the loss of life and property, the damage to Britisn
prestige has undoubtedly been considerable.
In conclusion, in view of the considered opinion
of experts in China that "British officers' lives will be
unnecessarily imperilled unless a system of guards is main-
tained", we ask that the Imperial Government will order that
fullest possible protection be given to lives and property
liable to attack from pirates.
I have etc.,
(Signed) William H. Coombs.
Joint Managing Director.
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