CO129-416 - Public Offices - 1914 — Page 599

592

A year ago I started a system of signalling

between H.M. Ships and British steamers on the West

River, but partly owing to the lack of enthusiasm

displayed by both parties, and partly owing to fre-

quent changes in officers, those signals have not been

a success, and I think that a special code drawn up,

published and strictly adhered to is necessary.

At present some difficulty is experienced in

making steamers dip their ensigns, no doubt they also

have complaints to make re the answering dip.

The advisability of keeping the movements of

West River Flotilla confidential is in my opinion es-

sential, especially in view of the fact that compra-

dores both at Hongkong and other ports always evince

great interest in learning our probable movements. A

memorandum to this effect has been promulgated by me

to all Commanding Officers of Gunboats and Torpedo-

boats.

With the addition of the two vessels mentioned

in my suggestion No. 1, and with my suggestion No. 2

being brought into force, the West River shipping

would, in my opinion be sufficiently secure to allow the torpedo-boats to escort the Canton steamers, obe

of the smaller unboats being stationed between Jang-

mum and First Cliff to assure the Chinese patrol in

this district being kept up to the mark.

The Canton-Fuchow steamers have up to lately

been effectually escorted by Chinese torpedo-boats,

but within the last week or two these have been with-

drawn, I am going to bring the matter before the Con-

sul-General.

I have &C.,

(signed) A. Dixon.

Lieutenant & Commander

9.N.O. Canton & West River.