CO129-411 - Governor Sir May - 1914 [5-7] — Page 40

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1

į

building locally a vessel of the Sandpiper" class which would cost about $100,000 might be borne by the Colony if the Admiralty would agree to take the vessel over arm, men and maintain her in commission for the purpose of suppressing piracy in Chinese waters in the vicinity of Hongkong.

3.

I took steps to call a meeting of the Un-

-official Members of both Councils, but before it took place I was informed by the Senior Unofficial Member of the Executive Council, Sir Paul Chater, that the Unofficial Members were unanimously opposed to such expenditure. I, therefore, did not hold a meeting and addressed the Commodore in a letter, of which I enclose a copy,

asking him to make a recommendation to the Commander-in-Chief on

the subject and I understand that he has already done so by tele-

-graph.

4.

I have since learned, however, that it is

possible that if such a vote were brought forward the Chinese

Members of Council would support it. In these circumstances I would

ask whether you would wish me to bring such a vote before the

Council, if I am assured of the support of the Chinese members. I

should be obliged if you would inform me of your decision by tele-

-graph.

5.

by

I believe that special legislation I shall be able to make much more difficult the piracy of River Steamers by pirates embarked as passengers, but if I succeed this will merely increase the attention of the pirates who make the estuary of the Canton River their hunting ground to trading junks which carry a large proportion of the exports from Hongkong. These I cannot help by any of the precautions applied to steamers for they

do not carry passengers.

6.

I shall be glad if you can see your way to

support the suggestion that an additional Gunboat should be provided for the purpose indicated. I regard it as useless to urge the Provincial Government of Kwangtung to undertake the work. They have neither method or money to carry it out in a systematic