CO129-508-4 Cases of attacks by pirates 6-11-1927 - 23-11-1928 — Page 103

Enclosure No. 3 in Canton despatch No. 158 of October 4tn, 1928.

103

My dear Brenen,

Hongkong,

October 2nd, 1928.

'Anking" Piracy.

I understand H.E. has been in communication with you

regarding this unhappy affair, and I learn that it is not

improbable that the Chinese may themselves take action in

the matter.

The question of piracy in these waters has now become

so serious particularly after the brutal manner in which

the Chief Officer and Chief Engineer of the "Amiring" were

shot down that drastic methods of combating it cannot

longer be delayed.

Owing to the risk of piracy, C.N.Co. steamers on the

Shanghai/Canton line have more or less had to abandon the

carriage of bullion, and have also lately suffered material

. reduction in passenger carrying,, Chinese these days pre-

ferring to travel, if possible, by larger vessels, some

of which, for some time past, have been supplied with

military guards.

Concerning the Straits trade, our ships carry anything from a thousand to eighteen hundred passengers a trip, most

of them returning to their homes with all of value they

possess. It is therefore an easy matter for pirates to

board them in considerable numbers at Singapore and, once

J. F. Brenan, Esq., C. M. G.,

H. 2. M. Consul-General,

N.S./NPA.

Canton.

under/