CO129-508-4 Cases of attacks by pirates 6-11-1927 - 23-11-1928 — Page 241

240

To all questions as to what they intended to do as regards

the Kongmoon branch of the Seamen's Union the answer in

each case was that they had not power to interfere, and that

the matter was one for the Canton Government. The number

of pirates captured was confirmed as 15 who had been

turned over to the Military authorities (a party of about

nine were later actually seen being marched to Military

Headquarters). The number killed or drowned were

reported as 5 or 6. These pirates were captured by

village guards of two villages abreast of which the pirates

attempted to land.

It

3. I concur with paragraph 14 of "FAULKNOR'S" report

that Captain Sparkes put up a gallant fight, but I submit

that had the ordinary precautions been taken of closing

the grids and stationing full guards immediately on leaving

harbour the outrage would probably have been prevented.

is apparently the custom in "SAN NAM HOI" and other ships

on Hongkong Kongmoon route to leave their grills open

for about half an hour after leaving Pak Kai. The reason

given being that during this period the ship is being

cleaned down and secured for sea. One Indian guard only

is kept on watch for this period, the remainder of the

watch being given this time to obtain a meal. I am also

of the opinion that in view of the threats from the dis-

charged crew it should not have been possible for a number

of these men to embark on board the "SAN NAM HOI" at Pak

Kai unnoticed. So far as is known no special precautions

were taken.

I would point out that the above criticisms are made from

hearsay evidence, though I believe that evidence to be

correct.

4./