(e) Co-operation of Chinese Customs cruisers in this scheme.
This is a valuable achievement of Sir John Brenan, and from our experience of wireless co-operation with the Chinese Northern Navy during the "SHUNTIEN" piracy case in June 1934, I feel that this is a promising field. If there are numerous customs oruisers on the Northern run, their co-operation might go far to remove the difficulties stated in paragraph 17a above.
(d) Use of Automatic Alarms.
Those on the market referred to by Commander Grace are for receiving purposes, so that a ship with insufficient operators for keeping continuous watch, can leave the alarm set when no operator is available. The alarm goes off when a distress signal is received. To produce an alarm to operate a transmitter would require apparatus of a considerably more expensive and complicated nature. As far as is known no installation of this type which could be incorporated as a feasible portion of a coasting ship's equipment is at present obtainable.
If, however, the Chinese Customs vessels are to co-operate in anti-piracy work is would be of considerable value if they, and other ships not keeping continuous watch, were fitted with automatic receiving alarms. This would bring them into line with the existing regulations for British Merchant ships.
(e) Use of Special Signals.
I am not in favour of the introduction of a new
emergency W/T signal for use when a ship is attacked by pirates.
Such a signal to be effective would require inter- national acceptance, and the necessity for it is not evident, as the well known 3.0.5. message should be sufficient if accompanied by the call sign of the ship and the work "pirates".
The correct and normal method of making an S.0.9. simal 18 as follows
" 3.0.3. de GIRM
8.9.ORSINO
2015N 120 33E in (Latitude and
ship)
longitude)
(call (name of
sign)
collision sinking fast AR "
(end of
message)
In the case of a ship attacked by pirates the message would be made as follows
69
#
" S.0.3.
de GLJY
(call
sign)
8.8.TUNGCHOW 2015N 120 33%
pirated.
AR
AR ".
Note: The group s.s.TUNGCHOW 2015N 120 SSE are not
essential and could be omitted in case of great urgency.
It is considered that W/T Operators should be authorised to make such a signal without authority from the Kaster. If he makes a mistake it can be Cancelled.
ACTION BY SHIPS' OFFICERS IN EVENT OF PIRACY.
18.
The question as to whether ships' officers and crew should resist piracy or not is one to be settled between the owners of a ship and her complement, but it is desirable to