CO129-508-4 Cases of attacks by pirates 6-11-1927 - 23-11-1928 — Page 233

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Enclosure No. 2 in Mr. Brenan's No. 18 of February 10th, 1928.

Extract from "The South China Morning Post", January 27,1928.

PIRACY REACTION.

Chinese Sympathy at Kongmoon.

A COM SON ENEMY.

Kongmoon, Jan. 25.

It is very encouraging to see the reaction which has

taken place since the piracy tragedy of a week ago. As reported,

eight of the men were shot last week, and when some of the

others were brought ashore the population showed disgust and

real hostility. There were many expressions of sympathy and

real interest for the dead and wounded, no one speaking lightly

of the end of the Chief Officer and the guards.

It is quite evident that the pirates have had both a

moral as well as a real defeat and it is hoped the lesson

will have an effect on their plans for the future. It is reported

from reliable sources that the soldiers were so eager to get at

the pirates that it was difficult to hold them for trial.

The author.ties appear to be making every effort to enforce

law and order, after aun-down' martial law is strictly enforced

and no doubt is keeping down much crime and vice. At all hours

of the night soldiers can be heard calling out to each other

concerning those who are passing between one guard and the next.

Although the ship was sailing under a Chinese flag this

has served to diminish the reeling of hostility toward the

foreigner and the ties of friendship une stronger than they

were!