CO129-507-3 China- anti-piracy precautions 31-10-1927 - 25-10-1928 — Page 284

Copy.

H.M.S. "Robin",

Samshui.

11th November, 1927.

314

Sir,

I have the honour to forward the following report on

the situation and incidents at Samshui and Sainam.

In accordance with your signal 1845 of 9th November

I proceeded to Samshui with all despatch anchoring at 0055

on November 10th, Lieut. Ashby was sent ashore on arrival

to interview the Commissioner of Customs. The latter informed

him that there was, and had been, no trouble of any sort at Sam-

shui or Sainam and that he had no reason to expect any. This

information which, as it came from the Commissioner, I took

to be reliable, I reported to you in my signal 0130/10.

The following morning I got into touch with the

Asiatic Petroleum Company's representative, who came on board.

From him I learnt that the so-called attacks had been made

on Sainam lately. The first, on October 30th, was on the town

and the second, on November 7th, on the "Flower-boat" which

had not paid a fee demanded by the pirates.

Through Mr. Vander Star (The Asiatic Petroleum Company's

representative) I arranged to meet the Chief of Police

of Sainam Samshui District at 12.15 on 10th November.

The Commissioner of Customs called during the forenoon

but had no news, except that a new magistrate had been appoint-

ed in Samshui.

At 1205 the Dosing- Sainam tow was fired at with two

machine guns and rifles when nearly opposite Asiatic Petroleum Company installation. The tows stop and turn round to dis-

charge cargo etc. here as there is not sufficient water at

the present state of the river for them to proceed over the

bur into Sainam. The "War Junk" in the tow returned the fire The Commodore,

Hongkong. &

Senior Naval Officer,

WEST RIVER.

but/