CO129-506-8 Prevention of piracy- use of armed patrol launches in Canton Delta 12-1-1927 - 28-3-1927 — Page 4

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And

by the Generals etc. in control of each bank.

these exactions he did not particularly object to, since the more the Chinese were annoyed in this way

the more likely would they be to take steps them-

selves to put an end to the existing state of chaos.

He made it quite clear that Hong Kong would not

agree in future to pay for these launches and would

prefer to go without them.

Governor does not say a word about these

arguments although he actually refers to the despatch

in which they were communicated to H.K. He contents

himself with saying that "the continuance of protection

to shipping is essential".

•

No doubt Sir C. Clementi feels that in the

existing trade depression it is necessary to do everything possible to encourage confidence, but even

this argument needed qualification since the only

adequate anti-piracy measure is the destruction of pirate lairs (to which we are gradually working up)

and even to save exactions trade can never be

expected to flourish under a convoy system which is

notoriously inconvenient.

Ordinarily therefore I would be disposed to

refuse sanction of this expense until fuller and

more convincing explanations had been received from

Gov.

I feel however that we have thwarted him

in so many ways and have hung fire so long over the

piracy question that we ought to let him have his way

on this. But in doing so I think he ought to be

asked by despatch for considered views with reference

to