1924-03-11 — Page 5

TUESDAY, MARCH 11, 1924.

NEW PIRACY

LAWS

Why They Are Objected To. “UNJUST, IMPRACTICABLE AND

USELESS."

Guild's Letters To Government.

. In accordance with the decision arrived at by the combined meeting of the China Coast Officers' Guild and the Marine Engineers' Guild of China, Mr. T. T. Laurenson (assistant Secretary of the former) has forwarded us for publication copies of the letters which passed between the Guilds and the Government on the subject of the new piracy regulations.

OBJECTIONS STATED.

"Resisting To The Utmost."

The first letter, from the com- the Colonial bined Guilds to Secretary, appears to be a general statement of the reasons why members of the Guilds disapprove of the regulations as a whole. It was written on September 12, some days after the draft regula- tions had been received from the Government and discussed, and it states:-

THE CHINA MAIL.

(7.) That a substantial reward be offered for information which lends to the arrest of any person in plicated in any pirstical attack.

(8.) That reward should be paid in all onsen of seizure of orms and/or ammunition.

totally unacquainted with those DEMAND FOR RANSOM. duties) "to bear the brunt of and all responsibility for a failure to carry out the régulations.

We have no knowledge of any other civilian calling in which the employce is called upon to offer his life in order to defend the pro-

(9.) That theo Resolutions be at once presented to the Honourable the Colonial Secretary for the con-perty of others, and we are con Hideration of His Excellency the strained by reason to think that, Office Administering the Govern if it were so, an adequate recom. ment, and a detailed reply request penso would be given for the ed in time to present to this meet Bacrificé. ing which stands adjourned till Sun- diy February 17, 1924, at the satoa time and place for the purpose of

Reasons Why.~ receiving such reply.

..

- LETTERS FROM “KWONG

SHUN" PASSENGERS.

BANDITS' STRONGHOLD.

MISSING VESSEL REPORTED SIGHTED.

(6.) That the absence of any form of enquiry into any of the

At 10 am. yesterday, the 8.8. red since that of the "Sui An""Wing Tal" is reported as having cases of piracy which have ocear- in November, 1922, has given rise sighted the missing, steam-lannet As, in the interests of conciseness, to an intense feeling of insecurity,wong Shun" lying in a creek aggravated by the about five miles south-east of Gay it has been desired advisable to grently make the Resolutions as brief attempt, in the "Draft Regula Mun. Whether this is correct or with less consideration than the noble, it is considered necessary tions subinitted to His Excel-not remains to be ascertained, bu "ratings" in that service. This that the point of view of our man- lency the Governor, to intensify the China Mall was informed this attitude is preposterous, and the bars should he explained at some the personal risks of thees im morning that the Naval authorities Officers of His Majesty's Mercan-what greater length and we are in-

is not disclosed, but a rumour is tile Marine serving on the China structed to submit the fellowing ob-mediately concerned by a body of were active. What is being done Coast demand fair treatment and jeste and Reasons:-

current that members of the Criminal Intelligence Department the recognition of their status

have left for Kongmoon and Macao to co-operate. which is nowhere evinced in the

The "Wing Tai is a small document under review.

wooden vessel which has run from Hongkong to Wachow, Kongmoon and other ports..

Section 5: -

(The numbers refer to the Resolu. It is considered:- tions.)

(1.) That, as long as the Police Authorities have the control of a The Master shall have com-duty which is obviously outside the plete control of the ship and all province of their proper activities, en long will the Naval Authorities refrain from taking any steps in a matter which is so essentially mari

on board." Without discrimination no man

gentlemen who at no time over had or ever will have similar duties to perform...

(7.) That as the offer of a re- ward for useful evidence is the practice in connection with the detection of other forms of crime, it could be profitably adopted in cases of piracy.

(8.) That, as it has been noticed by many of our members that the very superficial, it is considered that a hope of reward would

"

It is also stated that the launch Stanley" has been scouring the waters in the neighbourhood of stolen launch.

"Sir-We have to thank you can control; without discretion no time ank? which cannot be efficient search of passengers is frequently Macao, but she has not seen the for your letter of the 3rd inst., man can discriminate, hence it 1sly dirooted under any cual control.

(20.) That, as arms. ere indis.

enclosing copies of draft Piracy

impossible for the master to have

in a position of being unable to avoid the violation of some part

of the Regulations.

J

Section 7.

"When the master-has any cause whatever to believe or to consider 15 But by Section 1 he has no dis- cretion!

obvious that they will make them possession of the ship and, secondly a principal objective, firstly to ginin to add them to their armament, it therefore strongly emphasises the contention thrt the arms are a denger and ebould be at once remov- ed from the vessel.

searchers to discover arms and

.ammunition.

Yesterday, a number of letters of the kidnapped passengers,

written either by the bandits or the victims. A few. were brought Central Station. to the Chinese ferry company and

Regulations, and now have the complete control and a paradox ispensable to párates for the prose strengthen the incentive of the were received by kinsfolk of some honour to report for the informa- disclosed which places the master. tion, of their nefarious designs, it is tion of His Exceller.cy the Gover aor, that we have taken every opportunity, by calling a meeting and by personal interview, tö elicit the views of our members.

Generally, the on the subject. Regulations as a whole are viewed by our members with great dis- approbation, as being unjust, im-i practicable and, therefore, useless for the purpose for which they are devised. We would first point out that we have reason to believe (which is strongly supported by the wording of the document) that no active member of the Mercantile Marine has been con sulted in the framing of the Regulations, which do not as a

carlier date.

Section 1.

At any time and on any potice,

to wait on you and endeavour to explain any points which may appear to be obscure."

Tung Hing boarding-house, (to be re-delivered to) Fu San, the Kwong Fat firm,

for Wong Ng."

map 3

(9.) That the necessity of pressing for a detailed reply is

This morning a China Mail man demonstrated by the fact that our letter of September 12, 1923, was courteously shown two of addressed to the Honourable the these letters by the superintendent, Colonial. Secretary on the same Mr. Lau King-chor. Enclosed in 26.) That the guards, who are subject has never been acknow-one envelope was a slip with neither nilora or policemen, are ledged.

Chinese characters written with a Further, we are directed to say not sufficiently intelligent to act in

That the necessity of pressing blue pencil. This was the address that the officers of the Mercantile un engagemey en previously formi- Marine on the China Coast, will be inteal instruction Washout the study for an early reply is demonstrated of the pirate chief and was as

"Kongmoon, delighted to assist in any measure ing influence of a controlling Jin by the fact that, although the follows: which will tend to the extinction ropean. Officer. In no case has the Regulations have been on the of piracy, or to consider any inilative been taken by then, they Statute Book since 1914, Piracy is practical suggestions which may have always declined corbat nud neincreasing and the lives of our be advanced by their professional cepted the least painful of the al members constantly at stake, but brethren. They do not, however, ernatives of being disarmed or shot. no satisfactory action has bee propose to allow. their duty to bet is obvious that this attide in an taken whereby a remedy might

omgency is a hindrance rather reasonably be expected. whole, or in any material point / dictated or criticised by any per-thari z help to the already outinan- coincide with the tenor of the Son or persons who are not proned Master of the vessel in any st- however short, we shall be pleased fessionally connected with the tempt to retain control of his ship. suggestions put forward at an active duties of the Mercantile

That the control, as established by Marine.

the Regulations, is a divided one in In conclusion it is submitted which the influence of the Police is This section discloves a very that piracy, fire and shipwreck pamant, and to such an extent grave misconception of the con- are risks common to every person the the authority of the Mastor is ditions under which piracy occurs interested in the, voyage and, as largely discounted and is frequently on the Canton River delta and the such, are insurable. The officers sullenly resented.

That even when reports are made China Const

engaged on the China Const fail generally. postulating that it is the duty of the master and other certificated officers to resist to the utmost any piratical attack it assumes that they have a crew of their own nationals under their com mand and that the pirates attack the vessel from the outside. This is not the case, not only are these officers surrounded by an alien crew, but this alien crew may be, passively if not actively, part of the piratical gang, (Instance, the quartermaster of the "Sui An" leaving the wheel and jumping to the main deck for refuge). The thether and greater difficulty

In

CONVOY - SYSTEM.

i.

Fu San means Tiger Mountain. I

clearly shown сп

the of

"Triangular corner of Kwong Chow (Canton prefecture), ie, the peninsula at the south of the Canton River delta

Detailed information as to the pirates' stronghold is given in the letters. It is supposed to be at A Beginning Made.

Sha Mei (probably a village), about a mile south of "Tiger Mountain," to perceive why they should to the Officer Commanding Guards

as to misconduct (sleeping on duty. Other letters on the file include the In the Day Mun territory (surmised gratuitously shoulder the rea-drunkenness, disobediences of die drone from the Colonial Secretary, to be the name of the tip of the ponsibility at the dictation of any ders of the Master and Officers) the published in the China Mail yester peninsula), Heungshan district, person or persons who do not penalties uns ridiculously inade- day, which promises that the From the map, Sha Mei appears to two letters published be due west from Macao, facing personally or in any manner share quante, and the little corrective effect Gullds"

careful San Chow island and accessible the risk which these Regulations they might have in rendered absolu above will receive the

tely nugulory by the fact that fre- consideration" of the Government, by small creeks. direct that they shall take."

An imposing chop, full of quently the same guard is returned and various acknowledgments. to resume duty on board the ne On February 16 the Captain significance, appears on the let- WHAT GUILDS WANT.

ship. His respect for the ships ofi-Superintendent of Police wrote to ters. The disiga is surmounted cerk is in no way enhanced when his the Guilds as follows:

by the sun (actually the character Arms A Danger?

misconduct is condoned in this flag- "Gentlemen,-With reference for "day") inside a circle on an to the representations made to the octagonal star, and flanked by Following a combined meeting of ni mzur

That a striking instance is afford-Government by the China Coast bamboo.trees replete with ateris, and leaves. In the the Guilds on February 3 the fol lowing letter, conveying a numbered in the kase when corrective mea Officers Guild and the China branches

Hung Yee Tong" and "Heung of suggestions, was forwarded to the fares (report to 0.C.G.) were taken Engineers Guild which include middle is the name of the gang against one of the guards by the inter alia the provision of escorts Colonial Secretary on February Chief Officer of river stenner or convoys for steamers in the Yap indicating "pertaining to

We have the honour to in-which subsequently led to his deal danger zones, I have been request-Heungshan."

to inform you that His of the gang you that a combined meeting the hands of the man he had re-ed members of the China Coast Onported; the said officer being fatally Excellency the Governor has given characters

arises from the fact that none of these attacks are initiated from outside the vessel. Till the actual for moment of launching the first of

On either side

name

· ATO

the

東·西式海

attack the pirates are apparently cars' Guild and the Marine Engine.shes in the back whilst on the bridge his consent to the establishment The two seas of the East and peaceful passengers and are freelers' Guild of China was held on at his post of duty, the murderer of a convoy or escort system on to place themselves in any coignent fifty x (56) members, most

Hunday the 3rd inst. et which were

being allowed to escape..

Governor, the following Resolu-successful isme. tions:-

·རྟ་

purpose.

"

the Canton River, and as far as West" and RATH. B 3.) That & system of patrolling Kongmoon on the West River to "Those of the same profession of vantage which they have of whom are engaged, in vessels sub-the routes traversed by these vessels begin with. The Commodore has (are requested to) accord recogai- ample time and opportunity. to ject to the Regulations made under hy armed craft equipped with wire- promised every assistance provid- tion. At the foot is a smaller select, without let or hindrance the Piracy Prevention Urdinance, less installations is the only means ed he can get the concurrence of design with the chief's name. A by which efficient counter measures the Admiral. The Colonial peculiarity about this is that it is Government is supplementing the flanked on the top, left and bottom and, possibly, with the connivance, No. 23 of 1914.

'At this meeting, convened for the can be taken.

That this is a duty which should number of vessels which the Navy by bamboos but the right side is if not actual co-operation of their compair the position in which exhaustively discussed and we were, he entirely in the hands of the Royal can place on this service by hired left clear. Parallel with the sun compatriots who form the crew. purpose, the matter of pinay was three, four or, at most flags in pean officers find themselves when consideration of His Excellency the quately equipped to carry it to a by the Naval Authorities for this vogue in the Revolution.

(4.) That the installation of It is hoped that the convoy they are commanded, by persons

(1.) That, in so far as piney wireless telegraph, although pos- system my be brought into force who have not been, or ever will be so placed, to resist to the provention is concerned, the Police aibly expensive as to first coat, is within a very short time." utmost, and gives reason for the Department be relieved from all nevertheless imperative and, if it pertinent question:-What is the duties in regard to sea-going and tends to save life and property or utmost they can do? To which the river steamers whilst outside the check this crying evil, as it most obvious answer is:-Absolutely waters of the Colony and concentrate assuredly, will, no consideration of ile attention to detecting and pre- first. cost should be allowed to nothing.

This obligation is impera- venting the embarkation of unlaw weigh against this obvious factor tive and no discretion may be ful persons and/or firearms whilst of efficiency. exercised whether to resist these verrals are in Hongkong Har- bour, unless some better method is pirates or not."

devised. Imperative obligations admit of no discretion. Discretion is the

Insurance For Officers.

..

Guards now Superfluous?.

This letter was read at a Cam-

Briefly, the coat-of-arms? denote that the sun shines perpetually on the bandits. The bamboo around the gang name and at the bottom, convey the idea that the stronghold is firmly entrenched inside the forests, with the chief (whose name is at the bottom) guarding the entrance. not entirely His name is enclosed because of the superstition that this would mean his being isolated. With one side. clear, he is free to go as he chooses. A commos Chinese designation in bandits is

The last letter on the file is dated February 18.Addressed to the Colonial Secretary, it states:-

RE PIRACY. ASMOR Sir-We have the honour to (5.) That the money paid by inform you that a letter has been (2.) That all arme and armed the shipowners for the services received from the Captain Super quality without which no man can served to voy Rogo of the guards might be mora Sntendent of Police published connection with

Intions be from every vessel be an officer; they very idea of an and the absolute command thereof suitably directed to the insurance abore, copy of which is enclosed T The use of officer without discretion is a restored to the Master as laid down of the lives and bodies of the

term, and implies F meaning paradox and, to say the least, in the Merchant Shipping Acts, un- European officers engaged in bined Meeting of the China Coast bamboos in the design is a Judicrous and absurd. The officer less some better method is devised. Vensels subject to the Piracy Re Officers Guild and the Marine pun on the

(bamboo) is the leader of others, the in-

living under the (3.) There shall be at once in gulations. Under present condi Engineers' Guild of China held at 2

February, when the following forects

? dividual with the brain to direct augurated a proper system of patrol tions it is the lives and bodies of West Point on Sunday 17th,

these officers which form the pre- resolutions were passed

Sums varying from $100 to $200 the forces at his disposal and it is in the Danger Zone,

(4.) That nil vessels subject to mium of insurance on the pro (1) That this Meetings are demanded in the letters, in Fey Regulations shall have wire-perty of others. No form of re great confidence in the arrange less telegraph installed and under compense for bodily Injury sus ment and establishment of conveys addition to beat Hongkong oplum the control of a competent operator tained is demanded by the law and escorta being placed in the Three Castles cigarettes, Chi- signed on the Articles.

(5.) That Insurance be automa and none has ever been paid. hands of the Naval Authorities nese silk, tinned eatables and

dast amount paid (in the case of of a system

When it is remembered that the (2) That with the inception Morley brand singlets

he who assesses the position and isaves the executive commands.

Sections 2 & 3.

Any particular officer con- aidered unfit by the Governor

employed as an officer on the Officer and Engineer whiqeo duty vessels carrying four (4), guards) and escorts the Indian is desired becatise of difficulty ship." A takes him into the Danger Zone, the As the particular officer in ques premium for such Insurance to be is $1,200 per annum, it is clear Guards as required by the Piracy In procuring these articles in the tion will hold a certificate of com- paid with the money at present paid that this amount would easily Regulations are superfingus and interior. Chinese dandles invari petency Issued by the Board of as wages to the guards, in the event cover any premium on the life and should be, Immediately removed ably wear long-sleeved Cotton Trade and will have no other of them being removed from the limb of any of the officers engaged from the vessels subject to the ap- slaglet next to the skin and the

Apart from the general approval best up-country

The company, has declined the to permit him to obtain an han (6.) That every crae of Piracy an assurance to these gentlemen of the meeting, many officers vocation, what steps will be taken selain that vossal. It would thus be proval of the Naval Authorities, brand mentioned is considered the shall be the subject of enquiry do that were one real value, were on duty, and could not attend offer of the Kongmoon official to ourable living? It would appear the Harbour Office (na noon.rs positratlist

to them have since expressed their satisface provide Chinese plaval boats for a that it is the intention of the bla at the outrage), with the Eat prese

Hon regarding the resolutions search, owing to the difficulty of sanding up coal, but there is a Hongkong Government that off Bour: Muslerae (

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the datafla possibility of Chinese troops Being ing your moved towards the stronghold, e

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were, during the War (ranked ope

with and next to officers of the both departmenta

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