CONFIDENTIAL.
No. 738/2301.
EXTRACTS FROM
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REPORT OF PROCEEDINGS OF THE COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF, CHINA, DATED 7TH MAY, 1934, COVERING THE PERIOD 1ST APRIL TO 3RD MAY. 1934.
I
REMARKS OF THE COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF.
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38
15.
The piracy on 13th March, 1934, off the Fukien Coast, of the Norwegian ship NORVIKEN while she was under char- ter to a British firm (Messrs. Jardine Matheson), raises an interesting point on the question of the antipiracy measures provided. British ships carrying Chinese passengers are all provided with grilles and a guard of from 6 to 8 men. The NORVIKEN, however, had no guards and only a defective grille which was made completely ineffective owing to the gates in the grille being unlocked and unwatched. It now transpires that Messrs Jardine Matheson have done their utmost to have guards provided for this ship, but have been prevented by the Norwegian authorities, who state that the Norwegian Government consider that guards alter the peaceful status of a merchant ship and cannot be allowed in a Norwegian ship. I propose to take this question up with this and possibly other British shipping firms on my arrival at Shanghai, and, if necessary, with the Minister. The situation will require careful handling as it is understood that vessels suitable for the Chinese passenger carrying trade are not easily found. On the other hand, the British would-be passenger when booking his passage with a British firm is unaware that different conditions and regulations may apply in the various ships which are being run by that firm, and in consequence may well embark under a false sense of security.
16.
In connection with anti-piracy measures the Mayor of Canton, when lunching with me on board the SUFFOLK at Hong Kong on 19th April expresed a keen desire to co-operate more fully with the British Navy in the suppression of piracy and stated that the Cantonese General, Marshal Chan Chai Tong, had detailed two naval officers to confer with Captain Benn (Senior Naval Officer, West River), subject to my approval, with a view to improving the existing co-operation. As we have nominally at any rate, been co-operating with the local Chinese forces in anti-piracy measures for years past, I considered this was a perfectly proper request and I directed the Commodore, Hong Kong, to forward proposals accordingly.
(sd.)
FRED. C. DREYER.
ADMIRAL.
COMMANDER -IN-CHIEF.