CO129-507-3 China- anti-piracy precautions 31-10-1927 - 25-10-1928 — Page 278

1

Copy.

2 nclosures.

No. 192.

(and 1 copy)

Mr. Brenan to Sir Miles Lampson.

Copies to:- 7.0. No. 136.

dongsong do. 464

Shanghai

C.-in-C.

30D

H.B.M. Consulate General,

Canton.

November 17th, 1927.

sir,

In reply to your despatch No. 99 of

the 21st September calling for my recommendations

for anti-piracy measures, I am afraid there is

very little I can add to a subject which has

already been exhaustively discussed by a number

of different authorities.

2. The local Chinese officials, while

protesting their desire and intention to

suppress piracy and banditry, are so occupied

with internal dissension that no military

leader is willing or dares to detach any

considerable number of troops for the mere

purpose of preserving order in outlying

districts.

The Blas Bay area, for instance,

comes under the jurisdiction of the military

commander at Walchow on the East River, a

former prefectural city and strategic point

which controls the land route between Canton

and Swɑtow. During the past two years the

commandant at this place has been a General

Wa Ulm (

I owing nominal allegiance to

the Canton Government, but actually on bud

His Majesty's Minister,

Peking.

terms !