CO129-521-2 Piracy in Chinese waters- anti-piracy measures 9-1-1930 - 10-4-1930 — Page 136

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I received the deputation on 17th February and found that the

scheme had only been considered in barest outline. No idea of the

cost had been obtained nor did the details involved seem to have

been considered. The number of men required were tentatively put

at 400 with 35 white N.C.O.'s and 4 white headquarter staff. It

was pointed out that if all shipping were taxed all shipping

passing through pirate zone would be likely to demand guards and

400 might prove insufficient. I declined to commit this

Government to the expense of establishing such an organisation on

the chance of recovering its cost later on without the fullest

consideration. It became evident in the course of discussion that

strong opposition might be obtaining to any tax which would

increase charges on shipping not interested in anti piracy guards.

I am of the opinion that the scheme is altogether too nebulous

and too expensive to be undertaken at a moments notice, I pressed

on the deputation the view that only scheme admitting of prompt

application was a development of the former system of Indian

guards possibly supplemented by white N.C.0's and it was left to deputation to confer with Inspector General of Police who was present at the discussion with a view to evolving a practical

scheme at the earliest possible moment. I consider that shipping

utilising guards must bear the cost of the scheme.

Even this scheme will take time to evolve but it seems to

in offer only practical solution to difficulty which shipping

^ companies now find themselves. It may even be possible to develop scheme in time into a permanent force on the lines suggestedby shipping companies but I am myself doubtful if this will be found necessary. The possibility of utilising Wei Hal Wei Police Force on rendition of Wet Hai Wei was mentioned but I am without

information as to when the force might become available.

There remains the question of whatis to be done between 1st April and time when Indian guards can be supplied in sufficient

numbers. To meet this difficulty I can only suggest that if as

Ministers