4.
-2-
PIRACY OF S. S. "IRENE" (Continued).
271
It is fully realised that this case establishes
a precedent of far reaching importance. While there is no doubt that it has been a severe blow to the pirates and that they will in future hesitate before refusing to stop when ordered to do so by one of H.". Ships, it is neverthe- less possible that similar circumstances might ocour again.
Should this happen, I feel more than ever con- vinced that it would be a fatal mistake to allow a pirated ship to escape while it is in our power to stop her.
Once we limit ourselves to such measures as do not entail the risk, however improbable, of amther "IRENT" case, there will be no means of stopping resolute pirates.
As stated in my Telegram No.664 of 19th
5.
November 1927, I am informed that the foreign ministers in Peking are in communication with their respective Home overnments regarding the internation s ppression of piracy. They have suggested that there should be a meeting of the Senior Naval Officers of the Powers concerned to
discuss and decide on the form such co-ordinated action
should take.
I, therefore, propose to postpone any comment on future anti-piracy measures to be adopted in China until after this meeting has taken place.
(Signed). R.Y. TYR:HITT,
Vice-Admiral Commander-in-Chief.
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