4
employment of regular troops as guards against
piracy cannot be sanctioned indefinitely and will be with-
drawn eventually.
My Committee desire to impress upon you that the
considered opinion of the shipowners concerned, the Guilds
representing the officers and engineers serving in the
China Coast trades and the interests represented by the
Chamber of Commerce and China Association is that, in ex-
isting conditions in China, the only effective safeguard
against these recurring piratical attacks on British
steamers carrying native passengers is a military or naval
armed guard. My Committee trusts, therefore, that steps
may be taken to ensure that the military and/or naval
guards are not withdrawn.
I have etc.,
(Signed) E. Manico Gill.
Joint Secretary.