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APPENDIX III.
Paraphrase Telegram from the Governor of Hong Kong to the Secretary of State for the Colonies dated October 6, 1926.
(Secret.)
1 REQUEST reply as soon as possible to my secret despatch of the 30th June.* See also my secret despatch of the 28th August † It is very necessary that action should be taken to suppress pirates from Bias Bay who have committed yet another piracy.
The steamship "Hsin-fung" (China Mail Steamer Navigation Company), which sails under Chinese flag, but has several European officers, left Shanghai on the 1st October for Tien-tsin and Chefoo. Pirates who had embarked as passengers took possession of the vessel after leaving Shanghai and forced the captain to make for Hong Kong and later for Bias Bay. Ou arrival at the latter place the pirates landed taking with them the ship's compradore, an old man. Ship reached Hong Kong yesterday. It appears that there was a belief that the vessel carried bullion (which had not in fact been shipped); hence the pirates searched passengers and luggage and took whatever money and valuables they could find. Pirates probably scattered at once amongst the villages for seaplane reconnaissance failed to locate them.
Under existing political conditions, co-operation of any northern man of-war, possibility of which was contemplated in despatch from Government of Hong Kong of 30th June, would be more likely to antagonise Canton than isolated action by ourselves.
(Addressed to Foreign Office, No. 374; repeated to Hong Kong and Canton.)
APPENDIX VI.
Draft Telegram to British Minister, Peking.
YOUR telegrams Nos. 374 and 375: Proposed action against Bias Bay pirates. I concur generally. Mr. Brenan should, however, in the first place, make every effort to induce the Canton Government to take the necessary action themselves. With this object in view, he might certainly give them clear warning that, unless they will themselves at once take steps to deal with pirates in Bias Bay, His Majesty's Government will be compelled to take independent action immediately after next pirate outrage directed against a British ship or endangering British lives. He need nut specify too definitely nature of such action, which, rather than landing of or occupation by military force suggested in Canton telegram No. 90, should preferably take the form of patrolling of coast by naval forces.
Repeat to Canton and Hong Kong.
APPENDIX IV.
Telegram from British Minister, Peking, October 14, 1926.
MY immediately preceding telegram.‡
Following received from Canton, No. 90, begins
"Hong Kong scheme to be effective would entail destruction of villages and native craft as actual pirates could probably not be identified. This would lay us open to charge of barbarous treatment of innocent villagers.
<<
I suggest as an alternative that we occupy Bias Bay with small garrison, at
the same time giving Canton Government public undertaking to withdraw it as soon as it can be replaced by a permanent garrison of Chinese troops.
"If this is not feasible, then I think Hong Kong scheme is better than doing nothing.
"In either case action should come immediately after piracy of a British ship by this gang.
I recommend, however, that I be authorised to inform Canton Government forthwith that action decided on will be taken after next piracy unless they act in the meantime.
·
I have already urged in vain that Canton Government should seek British co-operation in dealing with this menace, but threat of independent action may have some effect.
"I have asked Governor of Hong Kong to send you information regarding Hsin-fung,"
APPENDIX V.
Telegram from British Minister, Peking, October 14, 1926.
YOUR telegram No. 284.
Isiu-fung piracy is dealt with in Hong Kong telegrams to Colonial Office of 6th October,
As regards action for dealing with Bias Bay pirates, I concur generally in view expressed by Acting Consul-General contained in my immediately following telegram.
*
Appendix I.
† Appendix II
$ Appendix III.
‡ Appendix V.
Appendix IV.
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