though this disadvantage is being eliminated in
new ships.
21 END
Should
5. Since the "Nanchang" piracy, the Japanese-owned
s.s. "Hoshun Maru" was pirated on 22nd May, 1933, in
Northern waters. This was a case of internal piracy,
the pirates embarking at Tientsin as passengers.
there be a disbandment of the Northern armies on any
large scale there seems some reason to anticipate a
possibility of further cases of this nature occurring
even in British-owned suips.
6. I am strongly of the opinion that ships trading
anywhere in China, particularly vessels carrying Chinese
passengers, can only be reasonably safe from piracy if
fitted with a grille, supplemented when practicable with
an armed guard. I realise that with trade as bad as it
is at present, British shipowners will not willingly go
to any extra expense, but I consider it advisable that you
should be aware of my views on this question, and I suggest
that the Shipping Companies should be approached officially
in the matter.
I have, etc.,
(Signed) FRED C.DREYER
Admiral.