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4.
Delete paragraph 11 to the end of the memorandum
and substitute the following:-
11.
a
No further information is yet available as to the result of the Conference with the Inspector- General of Police, but the Oversea Defence Committee suggest that unless very active steps are taken to press the Shipping Companies to evolve a satisfactory scheme and to implement it as soon as possible, further long delay will occur. Whatever action may be taken now, however, the Committee are of opinion that it will be impossible for the Shipping Companies to produce an efficient substitute for the present naval and military guards by the 1st April.
12. In view of the above, the Oversea Defence Committee feel it their duty to mention the forcible representations made to them to the effect that if advantage is taken of the absence of guards to undertake an intensive campaign of piracy a serious blow will be dealt to British trade in the Far East.
It is for the Cabinet to decide whether this danger is of sufficient gravity to merit any modification of their original decision.
The Committee, however, venture to recommend that if it is decided to continue the provision of regular naval and military guards, such
continuance should be for a definitely limited period and should be on condition that the Shipping Companies evolve an efficient scheme and agree to bring it into operation at the earliest possible date.
The latter date to be fixed by the 1st April. Furthermore, the Committee consider that if regular naval and military guards are extended after the 31st March, their full cost from the 1st April should be borne by those Shipping Companies which employ them.
13. As regards the details of a scheme for the provision of guards by the Shipping Companies, the Oversea Defence Committee consider that any practical scheme must emanate from the Companies after they have reached agreement amongst themselves. At this Juncture no detailed criticisms of the proposals made to the officer Administering the Government of Hongong up to date (vide Appendix) would be ●r little value.
At the same time, as the Companies cannot be expected to have the organizing and administrative knowledge, and undoubtedly have not the facilities for recruitment which are available to Government institutions, such as His Majesty's Forces and the Police, the Committee feel that it would expedite progress if the ship owners were informed that His Majesty's Government are willing to advise them on this point and to consider favourably any application for the services of retired naval and military officers and other ranks.
14. The Committee suggest that since it has been accepted that the internal protection of ships against piracy is the responsibility of the Shipping Companies, any scheme which is evolved should be based on the following principles:-
2.
(a)....