}
29/
are not in a position to discuss.
It would seem however, that for abvious reasons, any
such method of defence would go practically no way towards
being adequate.
7. The various other suggestions as to the provision of
grilles, searching of passengers etc, are all subsidiary to
the question of armed resistance and cannot in themselves
prevent attempts at piracy.
It has been suggested that the searching of passengers
and their luggage prior to embarkation would be an effective
deterrent.
We can agree that it would to a certain extent if an
absolutely thorough search could be depended on but submit
that it is absolutely impracticable to search effectively a
large number of passengers and every package of their luggage.
We believe that this will be confirmed by the Singapore Police
who have done a certain amount of such work on board ships,
8. We submit these views now in the hope that it will
eventually be agreed by His Majesty's Government that the only
effective means of defence is that given by armed military or
naval guards, and that the adequate protection so afforded
will therefore be continued.
May we request that our views be put before the
Committee of Imperial Defence and the Anti-Piracy Committee
in Hongkong.
We have, etc.,
Mansfield & Co., Ltd.
?
As Agents, C.N.Co.Ltd.
0.S. S.Co.Ltd. C.M.S.N.Co.Ltd.)
) For MANSFIELD & Co., Ltd.
(Sgd.) F. S. GIBSON
Director.
BOUSTEAD & CO., LTD.
As Agents,
Indo-China S.N.Co.Ltd.
ADAMSON GILFILLAN & CO. LTD. } As Agents, B.I.S.N.Co.Lta.)
(Apcar Line)
BOUSTEAD & Co., Ltd.
(Sgd.) S.L. THOMPSON,
Director.
For ADAMSON GILFILLAN & Co.Ltd.
(Sgd.)
F.C.H.CHARLWOOD,
Manager.