SECRET
이
From.
The Commander-in-Chief, China Station,
"HAWKINS" at Shanghai.
PIRACY OF S. S. "IRENE".
Date. 24th November,1927.
Subject.
TO.
The Secretary of the Admiralty,
(cony to:-
The Rear Admiral Commanding, First Cruiser Squadron. The Commodore, Hong Kong.)
The following remarks are forwarded with
270
reference to Rear Admiral, Commanding, First Cruiser
Souadron's submission No.297/C.05 dated 28th October 1927
to Admiralty, regarding the piracy of the China Merchant's
Steam Navigation Company's S. S. "IRINE".
2.
I consider that the action taken by H.M. Sub-
marine "L. 4" in accordance with my instructions, as well
as the subsequent steps taken by the Rear Admiral, First
Cruiser Suadron, and the Commanding Officers of the ships
concerned, reflects great credit on these officers and men.
3.
It is probable that the full details of the
origin of the fire which resulted in the sinking of the
"IRENE" will never be known.
There is no doubt in my mind that the shell which
hit "IRENE" in the counter set fire to her aft, but there is
no evidence at present to show that she was burning for-
ward.
I am of the opinion that it is very doubtful if
the two shells which hit the engine room set fire to her
there. It is quite possible that the pirates were partially
responsible for the very quick spread of the fire, as it
has been stated that they had threatened to set fire to
the ship previously.
4....
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