CO129-521-2 Piracy in Chinese waters- anti-piracy measures 9-1-1930 - 10-4-1930 — Page 209

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Enclosure No.4(a) to China letter No.1791/01034 of 29th November,

1929.

CONFIDENTIAL.

The Hon'ble The Colonial Secretary,

Straits Settlements,

Singapore,

23rd October, 1929.

Sir,

Singapore.

Anti-piracy, Chin Coast.

e have the honour to refer to your letters Nos.41 end 43 in 270/1928 of 20th and 28th August lost announcing

that the provision of armed guards for merchant ships will

be discontinued fter April 1930.

2. The undersigned Agents of various British Shipping Lines interested in the Chine Coast Trade met in Singapore on 21st instant to consider the proposals and suggestions which

have been put forward as to means of protection in the place of military guards. We beg to submit herewith our joint ideas

of the suggestions which have been made.

We regret to state that our opinion is unanimous

that the only satisfactory method of protection is that et present afforded by armed military or naval guards.

In view of this may we earnestly request that the

invaluable and essential assistance at present being given

by the armed forces of the Crown be continued until conditions

necessitating same are remedied.

Our definite opinion is that no steps to counter

piracy can be taken by the Comes nies themselves, which will

in any way ensure the same measure of protection as that

aftorded by the present system.

3. It is, we think, generally admitted that the defence

of a ship to be successful must be internal.

In /