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Sir G.Grindle observed that since
it appeared that no hope can be seen from an amendment of the Merchant Shipping Regulations the solution might be so to tighten up the administration of the Piracy Regulations that these unsatisfactory Chinese ships would be forced off the register. Well found ships run by reputable Companies would comply with the regulations in their own interests.
Sir E.Stubbs agreed, and he said further that the hands of the Hong Kong Govern- ment would be very greatly strengthened if His Majesty's Government would back them un- equivocally in their view that the only real remedy lies in enforcing the Piracy Regulation. The much discussed Minority Report of the Local Committee had never yet been adequately answered, and there was undoubtedly a feeling in the Colony that His Majesty's Government had not wholeheartedly endorsed the view of the Colonial Government.
Sir G.Grindle said that the Colonial Office was quite prepared to send a despatch to the Governor on the lines desired by Sir
E. Stubbs, and he felt that the other Depart- ments would also concur.
The Board of Trade representatives
were not prepared to express a definite opinion off hand, and it was accordingly agreed that a draft despatch should be prepared and circulated to
the other Departments for concurrence.
4
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