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 42

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employment of regular troops as guards against

piracy cannot be sanctioned indefinitely and will be with-

drawn eventually.

My Committee desire to impress upon you that the

considered opinion of the shipowners concerned, the Guilds

representing the officers and engineers serving in the

China Coast trades and the interests represented by the

Chamber of Commerce and China Association is that, in ex-

isting conditions in China, the only effective safeguard

against these recurring piratical attacks on British

steamers carrying native passengers is a military or naval

armed guard. My Committee trusts, therefore, that steps

may be taken to ensure that the military and/or naval

guards are not withdrawn.

I have etc.,

(Signed) E. Manico Gill.

Joint Secretary.