CO129-455 - Acting Governor Claud Severn - 1919 [7-9] — Page 470

MR. COLLINS.

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As the letter from the Imperial Merchant Service Guild suggests that the whole question of the employment of pilots at British Defended Ports in the East should be considered, I thought it better to consult the Admiralty in case they thought that the matter should be considered by the O.D.C.

atate:-

The Local Defence Division at the Admiralty

"It is not considered that the employment of Chinese Pilots would appreciably add to the danger of espionage, since the Japanese could possibly obtain all the information they require from other sources. With regard to the danger of Chinese Pilots escaping to the enemy, the difficulties of navigation of Hong Kong watere are not great, and it is considered that experienced naval officers attacking the port would find navigation comparatively easy.

Although from a "Defence" point of view a British Pilotage Service at Hong Kong would be welcomed, it is suggested that there is no immediate need for pressing the subject, but that the point should not be lost sight of when the revision of the Scheme of Defence for this port is considered."

but this should not be quoted as the official Admiralty opinion.

In the circumstances I suggest that a reply should be sent on the lines suggested in the previous Minutes:and I will, if you think fit, raise the question at the O.D.0. when the Hong Kong Defence Scheme comes up again for consideration.

28th, November, 1919.

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