Piracy.
Views of Kailan Mining Administration on active piracy
measures.
No.71
and 3 copies)
Copy to Commander-in-Chief.
British Consulate-General,
Tientsin,
25th August, 1933.
។
Sir,
With reference to your despatch No.127
(22/3D/1933) of the 6th instant, I have the honour to
inform you that, in accordance with your instructions
I referred to the Kailan Mining Administration the question
of fitting their vessels trading on the China coast with
grilles. I am now in receipt of a reply from the
General Manager in which he states that, while his
technical staff is in favour of the fitting of anti-
piracy grilles to Vessels engaged in the general trade
on the China coast, the position of the Administration
is peculiar in that deck passengers are seldom carried in
its vessels which are rarely called upon to anchor except
in protected anchorages.
Further the majority are not
fitted for the carriage of first class passengers and,
as coal carriers, offer little inducement to pirates.
In these circumstances, Mr. Nathan does not feel that
the expense involved in the fitting of grilles would be
justified.
His Majesty's Minister,
British egation,
Beking.
I have &C..
LANCELOT GILES.
(Signed)