CO129-507-3 China- anti-piracy precautions 31-10-1927 - 25-10-1928 — Page 202

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observed.

Mr. Hounsey suggested that the fact that the official

plan had not been observed was a reason for throwing the

responsibility on the owners and masters. So far as the

Foreign Office was concerned there was no objection to the

proposed rescission.

Captain Layton concurred, but urged that pressure should

be brought to hear on owners, either through the insurance

companies or otherwise, to sail ships in pairs. If one boat

were pirated the other could then make a simal; this would

mean that all ships would have to carry wireless and that the

wireless cabin would have to be within the bridge citadel.

The recommendations of the Sunning Commissioners (page

13 of the Report) were then considered.

Ho. 1.

received general approval; the difficulties of

an effective search, particularly in China coast ports, were

discussed, but go suggestions for improvement in this respect

were forthcoming.

10. 2. Mr. Southern said there was a feeling that His

Hajesty's Navy might in the past have done more patrolling.

He toughed on the question of permanently atationing a guard

ship in Bias Bay.

Captain Layton pointed out the difficulty of stationing

a warship permanently in Bias Bay owing to the insufficiency

of ships for the purpose together with other naval commitments

in China. The question of expense was also a serious factor;

would Hongkong be prepared to contribute to the cost? There

was also a possibility that the only effect of this measure

would be that the pirates would establish a new base elsewhere.

Mr./