CO129-487 - Others & Individuals - 1924 — Page 398

638

338

We

made to lend such friendly support to the local Chinese

authorities as was feasible; and we were informed of the

successful issue of an expedition undertaken by local

Chinese forces, in accordance with these arrangements.

are very sensible of the value of these arrangements for

co-operation with the local Chinese authorities; and we

consider that whenever opportunities of such co-operation

occur, they should be utilised to the fullest extent possible

subject to the necessary limitations imposed by the

political situation in China.

6. We are however sensible that in existing

circumstances it would be vain to expect anything approach-

ing the complete suppression of the bands of pirates which

infest these waterg. It is therefore very necessary that

in the Danger Zone there should be as effective a system

of precautionary measures as can be devised and maintained

with such resources as are available.

7. The system in force at the time of our enquiry may

briefly be described as follows:-

At the beginning of the year there were four of His

Majesty's Gun-boats engaged in patrolling the danger zone,

and later on a reserve gun-boat was put into commission with

a crew lent by one of His Majesty's ships on the station.

In addition four armed launches were fitted out by the Hong

Kong Government, with civilian crews and commanded by Naval

officers with Naval guns crews. (Later, arrangements were

made for the complete manning of these launches by naval

crews).

In addition to the maintenance of these patrols the

"Piracy