CO129-488 - Governor Sir Stubbs - 1925 [1-7] — Page 122

(a)

At the time no convoying launches were available and it

was found quite impracticable to get the necessary Naval

Officers and ratings to man any large number of launches.

I therefore suggested that the cheapest and safest method

to adopt was to make the Danton and Kongmun River Steamers

sail in convoy, a large and efficient armed guard being

placed in one steamer in each convoy. These were to be

armed with machine guns and be available not only to protect their vessel but also to go to the help of any veseol belonging to the convoy if attacked. This system was

adopted and continues to the present tine. It has certainly

been effective in preventing piratical attacks but it has also aroused a good deal of discontent amongst ships'

officers and owners who do not like the guards or the delay

caused to the better found ships.

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Grilles. The original system of grilles was greatly extended. Here again whilst undoubtedly very valuable against internal piracy the exterded use of grilles is inconvenient from many

of the officers and owners point of view. Also it has the

serious defect that in case of a collision any hitch in open- ing the necessary grilles may result in enormous loss of life, although the obvious retort to that argument is that unless

a river steamer can be beached at once or outside assistance

is at hand, the loss of life is bound to be great in any case. Still the more fact that the passengers would feel that they were cooped up like rats would precipitate a panic and hinder the ship's staff.

(e) Police inspection and searches. Is undoubtedly most valuable

and should be continued. Practically all attempted piracies have been on outward bound ships from Hongkong and strict searching at that end is a necessity. The Customs at Kongmun are also very efficient in supervising their end.

14.