CO129-496 - Public Offices - 1926 — Page 351

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Sir,

ENCLOSURE NO. 4,

OFFICER 0019ANDING TROOPS, HONG KONG

TO COLONIAL SEC: DEARY, HONG KONG.

349

HONG KONG,

25th June, 1926.

In the event of another piracy taking place

against a British ship at Blas Bay, or in the vicinity of

Hong Kong, I understand it is the intention of His

Excellency to deal summarily with the matter. I have the

honour to state that from a military point of view the

operation would appear to be simple, subject to a cruiser

or a commandeered ship being available to take the troops

without delay to the scene of the piracy.

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So far as one can foresee, the number of men

necessary for this operation would be roughly two companies

of British troops, strength

two hundred and twenty,

Two days' rations would be carried, and it would be

advisable to have the support of Naval fire in case the

landing was opposed.

British troops at Hong Kong (East Surreys) have

already been trained for this type of operation and would

be ready to embark fully equipped etc. within two hours of

the warning being issued either by day or night.

The authority of the Tar Office is necessary for

this operation, and to avoid any hitch if at any future

time a piracy takes place, it would appear advisable to

obtain Far Office authority without delay.

I have etc.

(96d.) F.S. MONTAGUE BATES,

Lieutenant Colonel.

(xviii)

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