CO129-490 - Public Offices - 1925 — Page 637

-2-

620

I

unsatisfactory and that no revision of them would be effectual

for the purpose of the suppression of piracy and that unless

the whole subject was considered, and all avenues explored,

no good purpose could be served by the signatories continuing

on the Committee and that if wider discussion which such

bodies contemplated was not to be allowed it would be better

if their representatives should withdraw from the Committee

and go thoroughly into the matter themselves and submit a

minority report. At the adjourned meeting of the Committee

the Chairman again made it clear that the wider consideration

was outside the scope of the Committee and the signatories

hereto accordingly withdrew.

Although both the Shipownere and the Personnel on

the Ships from the outset have realised the many defects of

the existing Ordinance they have unquestionably given the

ayetem more than a fair trial. They cannot, however, continue

to willingly subscribe to a system which from experience they

are convinced is wrong.

THE REGULATIONS.

It is strongly urged that it is

the province of the Navy to protect commerce particularly

British commerce against the depredations of pirates. Under

the Regulations the responsibility for the defence of the

local Mercantile Marine is thrown upon the owners and the

officers of each vessel. The idea of a merchant ship of the

class plying in the Canton Delta or on the coast having "a

citadel fortified garrisoned defended" (vide Report of Sui

An Piracy Commission) is as impracticable as it is absurd.

It is accepted as axiomatic that it is the duty of the master

and his officers to defend their ship but it is submitted

that adequate protection from piratical attacks from within

the