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be obtaining rest, we have had under consideration the advisability of appointing two European (British if procurable) Night Watchmen to each of the Company's vessels as the reliance on the Chinese Quartermaster to report smuggling operations from craft coming along- side at the ports and at the night anchorages is out of the question.
Their duties would of necessity be limited to informing the Master and they would have instructions to take no proventive measures themselves except under the Master's orders.
They could furthermore be engaged in searching the vessel on her voyage between anchorages when the Officers of the vessels are engaged in the navigation,
must however point out that this would in-
volve us in considerable additional experte and, fur- thermore, having regard to the fact that these Night Watchmen would be receiving only a moderate salary and that they might be unable to resist the great tempta- tions to which they would unquestionably be exposed, we are doubtful of the efficacy of this suggested pre- caution. As however we are desirous of taking all reasonable measures to prevent the carrying of opium in our vessels, we shall feel obliged if you will in- form us whether you see any objection other than as indianted above to the employment of Hight Watchmen.
We have the homur to be,
Sir,
Your obedient servants,
FOR THE ASIATIC PETROLEUM CO; (WORTH CHIBA) LTD.,
(SIGNED) G. MULOOK.
GM: NV
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