COPY
16
From
Date
...
To
The Commander-in-Chief, China Station. H.M.S."Hawkins" at Hongkong.
21st December, 1926. No.1536/1041.
The Secretary of the Admiralty,
(Copy to Commodore, Hong.)
Subject Armed Launches for West River.
•
With reference to Admiralty telegram 213 of 10th
November, the present Charters for the Armed Launches expire on
the following dates :-
2.
"ONSLAUGHT"
"FAULKNOR"
"NESSUS"
25th March, 1927.
29 th March, 1927.
15th April, 1927.
The question of Colonial Government contributions
towards the cost of running them has recently been discussed and copy of a memorandum agreed to at a meeting held on 19th November
is attached.
3.
Now that trade has been resumed in the Delta and
West River, piracy has increased to such an extent that regular patrols have to be organised and all vessels of the Flotilla are fully employed. It does not appear likely that any Government strong enough to maintain order will be established in Canton in the near future and although spasmodic efforts against river piracy may be made by the local authorities in response to urgent requests by the Chinese merchants, the time when British vessels in these waters will be safe without the presence of British
naval protection seems far in the future.
4. As regards the suggested Colonial contribution the proposed arrangement is simple and should lead to no dispute or
misunderstandings. This figure was suggested on the rough basis
that the personnel should be entirely a Naval charge and under Naval control and that the expense of hire and general running
expenses.
....
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