96
4
Should the pirates proceed with the
disembarkation by day, the attack should be delivered on the junks, employing any convenient method, after they have left the ship.
#53.
Similar action should be taken if the anti- piracy vessel is ordered to withdraw under threat of
massacre.
"54. In the event of a pirated ship being encountered by night, or by day when so close to land that the action above is impracticable, she must be stopped forthwith. If she fails to do so when ordered, a blank round is to be fired to bring her to. If she still fails to stop, practice projectiles are to be fired across her bows; or, if the range is so close that this can be done without risk to the passengers, through her fore part or, eventually at her engine room. "55. Live shell are not to be employed.
"'56. Two bamboo scaling ladders have been constructed for use in the rapid boarding of a ship at sea, and these are to be passed from ship to ship, one invariably being carried by the vessel on patrol.
Fersonne I should be exarcised in the use of these
ladders as opportunity offers."
and he gave also the object of the Anti firacy patrol as being "to prevent piracy by the interception of pirated vessels of all nationalities brought to the coast between Fengohau Island, Mirs Bay and Hei gx Che Chin Bay, and the capture of the pirates at all costs.' (The underlining is mine).
17. I did not, however, agree with such a strong action being definitely ordered, and gave the following instruction":
#1
Whilst concurring that it is most desirable that the pirates should be apprehended if practicable, I do not consider that the suggested wording of the object adequately expresses the purpose of the anti-piracy patrol, not can i subscribe to the principle that the pirates must be captured at all costa. The preservation of the lives of the European Officers and passengers is of greater importance than the capture of the pirates and this must always be borne in mind in f rañing the anti- piracy orders.
Furthermore it is undesirable to issue precise instructions to,anti-piracy vessels as to their procedure for effecting the apprehension of pirates. This must be a matter for the decision of the Commanding officer, who will act as he thinks best in the circumstances prevailing in each individual case."
18.
Finally, just before he left the Station on 12th April, 1935, Commodore Elliott, who is a most able officer, addressed his letter No.H.K.530 of that date to me (copy attached) to which I sent the reply attached.
/19.