COPY OF MESSAGE
FROM Stone cutters T Station.
DATE 25.6.34.
54
RECD, 1758,
ADDRESSED This message has been repeated for information
to Admiralty. Addressed British Legation Peking 145,
repeated Commander in Chief, G.0.C. British Troops,
China 3, Commodore Hong Kong from British Minister at
Wei Hai Wel.
Shanghai telegram No.50 I have discussed this question
with Commander in Chief who adheres to the opinion
expressed last year that vessels should have both
grilles and guards but in accordance with the arrange-
ments made in July 1930 companies must pay for the
guards. You will remember that the High Court ruled
in May 1931 that the Government could not be made to
bear (? expense).
Since 1930 companies on the southern route have
obtained at their own expense special armed police
trained at Hong Kong police headquarters. Commander
in Chief considers and I concur that shipping companies
should be warned that they should fit grilles and ship
guards but that this must be at their own expense.
General Officer Commanding is being asked whether he
could provide guards as a temporary measure but only
permanent solution would appear to be for Shanghai
municipal police to organise special force as in Hong
Kong.
Please instruct H.M. Consul General at Shanghai to
address warning to companies and to enquire about
organisation of special force.
Commander in Chief has seen this telegram and concurs.
8336/24.