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"Shuntien " "Shenking", and their "A" class steamships, so that he might see the alterations which they propose to carry out to make the ships pirate-proof. These are very extensive in the case of the Tungchow" and will cost about $28,000; in the other ships between $4,000 and $5,000 per ship. When completed, all these ships should be "safe".
The Anti-Piracy Officer also had an opportunity of inspecting the s.s. 'Canton Maru", of the Osaka Shosen Kaisha Line. In this ship, which is of recent construction, the bridge, officers' cabins and wireless room form a citɛdel which can be isolated from the passengers' accommodation, as can the 1st, 2nd and 3rd class from each other. There is a passage from the engine-room to the crew's quarters, and the engine- room is guarded by doors which can only be opened from the inside. Each class of passenger makes the voyage as a self-contained unit, and the passages through the grilles which are necessary for the crew are all so placed that they are overlooked by an officer.
Action oroposed.
Legislation to be introduced so that all British ships plying on the China Coast must have one of these certificates. Such certificates to be granted either by the HongKong Government or by H.M. Consul General at Shanghai. All lists of sailings to have the class of certificate of each ship quoted, so that before booking a passage the Public would know to what extent the vessel was protected. Vessels to be inspected periodically.
(3) W/T Communication.
An improved system of W/T communication to be brought into force for ships sailing on routes north of Shanghai.
Action proposed.
Shipping companies to communicate with each other and with the Chinese Customs Preventive Service the dates of mailings of their ships, and the Masters directed to communicate with each other at stated times. Arrangements also to be made for Masters to communicate with their owners through the Chinese W/T Stations at Shanghai, Tientsin, WeiHaiWei or Chefoo.
(4) The Chinese Customs Preventive Service to be used for piracy suppression.
It is understood that H.M.Minister has already made official representations regarding this proposal to the Chinese authorities.
(5) Under what I understand is the existing Law, Shipping Companies should give definite orders to their officers to defend their ships against pirates; a fortiori resistance should be offered when ships are adequately protected.
(6) Naval Organisation.
No serious weaknesses were disclosed in the naval organisation, but the following points have been emphasised by me in a separate memorandum to the Fleet :- (1) The importance of information re ships over-
due being passed at once (prefixed "Important") to the Commander-in-Chief and the Commodore, HongKong.
(ii) Plain language to be used in piracy cases