H.M.S. DECOY
at Hong Kong.
79
4th February, 1935
sir,
I have the honour to forward the following letter of Proceedings regarding operations connected with the piracy of S.S. TUNGCHOW.
2. In compliance with Commodore, Hong Kong's message timed 2317/1 I weighed at 0630 and proceeded out of Samun Roads for
Autan, arriving there at 0750, 2nd February.
3. I proceeded ashore to Colonel Chen's headquarters where I was met by Major Ma and Lieutenant Commander Chow, Commanding Officer C.S. "WU PUNG", which ship was at anchor in the harbour having relieved "KWANG KIM" which had returned to Canton.
4. I was informed that Colonel Chen had proceeded to Canton the previous day.
5. Major Ma had received the message from the Commodore, Hong Kong, giving information of the piracy and had cabled all their coastal authorities to warn them to keep a look out.
6. He also informed me that the headquarters at Hai Fong had been warned and that they would send troops to the vicinity of Tsiech Point.
Apart from this no further action appeared to have been instituted, nor had "WU FUNG" raised steam.
7.
8.
After explaining the situation and stating that I was prepared to give all possible assistance and to transport troops, Major Ma said he would like to embark with 20 soldiers and the latter conld be ready by 0900. (It was then 0835).
9.
He said
At my suggestion, Lt. Comdr. Chow agreed to raise steam in "WU FUNG" to proceed to Hong Hai Bay and he proposed first calling at Ping Hoi, though his purpose in doing so was not clear. that "WU FUNG" would be ready at 1000.
He asked me how many pirates had landed. I was not then in possession of this information, but replied about 10 or probably
10.
more.
11.
She
I left Headquarters at 0855 and called alongside "WU FUNG" on my way back to arrange W/T communication with her and to acquaint the Commanding Officer that she was about to get under way. was observed to remove her funnel cover 5 minutes later.
12.
At 0910 my motor boat and whaler proceeded inshore to embark Major Ma and his troops.
13. At 0935 I received a message from the shore that Major Ma was breakfasting.
14.
Major Ma, another officer and 30 soldiers embarked in "DECOY" at 1030 and "DECOY" immediately weighed and proceeded for Tsiech Point at 26 knots as soon as the islands in Bias bay had been cleared.
15. It was my impression that it was due to firm handling and his desire to "gave face" that induced Major Ma to embark with his troops - otherwise it is doubtful if he would have taken any action.