CO129-487 - Others & Individuals - 1924 — Page 399

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"Piracy Regulations" issued by the Hong Kong Government

require interalia, that all certificated officers shall be

armed at all times while the ship is in the "Danger Zone"

that the ship must be provided with bullet proof dodgers, screens, grilles and barbed wire entanglements to the

satisfaction of the Harbour Master in order to render the

vital parts of the ship defensible. A scheme of defence

for each ship is drawn up by a Committee consisting of

the Assistant Harbour Master, the Captain Superintendent

of Police, the master, and (if the owner so desires) a

representative appointed by the owner. The Regulations

prescribe the number of rockets, Verey lights, arms and

rounds of ammunition to be carried; and the carrying of

specified numbers of armed guards. The Regulations also

provide for the control and search of ships, passengers and

goods before sailing, and for other matters incidental to

the carrying out of the Regulations.

8. As we understand them the view of the Guilde (so

far as the first three of the Resolutions quoted in paragraph 3 of this report are concerned) was that the

defensive measures at present laid down in the Piracy

Regulations should be replaced completely by a system of

effective Naval patrols throughout the Danger Zone.

9.

In regard to this proposal we were informed by the representatives of the Admiralty that it would be a matter of extreme difficulty to organise such an extensive system of Naval patrols that river steamers would always be safe from piratical attacks; and that such a system of patrols would in any case necessitate a very great

expansion of the Naval Forces in Hong Kong waters.

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