CO129-359 - Governor Sir Lugard - 1909 [12] — Page 376

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to them by larryat's Code in which most of the flags

are identical with flags in the International Code;

therefore it is quite a common thing to see a steamer

coming up the river flying a most alamingly urgent

signal and man of war have frequently been deceived by

these signals lowering boats-despatching mm, collision

mats etc to render supposed required assistance.Again

I remember an instance some years ago whilst lying

in Manila Bay a ship had up "N" to call for a water

boat and "M" for a steam launch. This was read on shore

and afloat as "N M* I am on fire" and assistance came

from all directions Fire Float troops bluejackets etc

greatly to the chagrin of the Officers of the ship

in question and the annoyance of the fire brigade etc.

I enclose lists of local signals in use in the various

China porta and a perusal of these will show you the extent to which this confusion of signals has gone.

that

Now Sir, I think¡if a special distinguishing flag or symbol was adopted for use with flags intended

to be read in their local sense only and not according

to the code or the Signal Manual all this confusion

would be avoided; it could be called the local sign if

a symbol were adopted or the local sign flag or

pennant and should be hoisted above any flag or flags

of the Commercial Code whenever or wherever such are

used as signals with locul moanings apart from their

possible significance in the Code book or signal manual

No 6 of Marryat's Code might possibly be suitable or a square blue flag or a ball etc Please get the views

of others as to this confusion in other ports abroad

With every good wish.

Yours faithfully,

(SD) GEO R,AINSLIE ·