SECFET
COPY OF MESSAGE
FROM C.in C. China.
DATE
25.6.34.
TIME 1839.
ADDRESSED Admiralty, Commodore in Charge, Hong Kong.
52
699. Consul General Shanghai
telegram 1635 21st June to British Minister and
British Minister's 2336 and 2338 34th June to 0.0.c.
It is important that the navy should not repetition
not be partly immobilised by having to provide guards
for British ocean-going steamships during (? such)
periods as may be required to train and organise the
police-trained guards for (7 ship) trading north of
Shanghai.
In any case unless grilles are
provided only (? partial) protection is afforded by
the guards. Present situation has arisen out of the
neglect of shipping firms to provide grilles and guards
as recommended (? by) C. in C. China.
Consideration
should be given to possibility of shipping firms also
controlling passenger traffic by requiring banker's or
other adequate guarantee.
In connection with Butterfield and
Swire's request for guards it is observed that Jardine,
Matheson are deliberately chartering Norwegian ships
for Shanghai Hong Kong run in which guards cannot be
carried (? because of) objections Norwegian owners.
1910/25.