CO129-507-4 China- anti-piracy precautions- question of compensation to families of British officers killed or wounded 5-10-1928 - 2-1-1929 — Page 40

protected by British armed guards until such time as

ordered Government, capable of preventing these

piratical raids, is established in China. It is

the official view of our friends the China Coast Guilds,

that the presence of British Guards aboard steamers is

the only effective prevention against piracy, and

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we have consulted a considerable number of officers in

London who are familiar with conditions in the China

Coastal Trade, and in every case they concur with this view.

We understand that at least thirty-one

vessels

have been pirated since January 1921, and in several

cases British officers have been either killed or maimed.

Although we are primarily concerned with the interests of

the Officer personnel, we would also draw attention to the

very material losses which must have been sustained by

British Shipping Companies and/or Underwriters, and in addition

to the loss of life and property, the damage to Britisn

prestige has undoubtedly been considerable.

In conclusion, in view of the considered opinion

of experts in China that "British officers' lives will be

unnecessarily imperilled unless a system of guards is main-

tained", we ask that the Imperial Government will order that

fullest possible protection be given to lives and property

liable to attack from pirates.

I have etc.,

(Signed) William H. Coombs.

Joint Managing Director.

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