CO129-521-3 Piracy in Chinese waters- anti-piracy measures 9-4-1930 - 20-11-1930 — Page 67

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(111) Motor Boats. These could be obtained with a

shallow draught, light armament and a moderate speed which could be maintained in anything except heavy weather.

(iv)

Flying Boats. These would be very useful for reconnaissance work but are not suitable for actual offensive operations against the pirates, except in conjunction with surface craft and ground forces.

Composition of Force.

37. It is considered that the most satisfactory composite force to be maintained should consist of:

(1)

(ii)

(iii)

Bases.

38.

Four or six large motor boats. Draught not to exceed 5ft. Speed 16 to 18 knots. Armament One 3 pdr. also Lewis guns and rifles. Equipped with wireless. They should be capable of maintaining their speed in moderate weather.

Two destroyers or gunboats as a support and for use in bad weather.

Two or three flying boats.

There are several inlets which might be suitable as bases, it is not, however, possible to give definite

recommendations without a close knowledge of the coast. From an examination of the Chart FAN LO KONG appears to be the most suitable site for the main base and TAI SAMI IN LET for a subsidiary base.

39. In selecting these bases consideration should be given to the military considerations (vide paragraph 33).

Coast Watching.

40.

It is considered that coa t watching posts should be established at FOKAI POINT, CHILANG POINT and TONGMI POINT.

41.

These posts should be in good telegraphic communication with the bases, both naval and military, also they should have small W/T sets for communication with vessels on patrol and the bases in the event of the L/T wires being cut.

42. It would probably be necessary for these posts to be guarded by a small detachment of soldiers or marines. These could be used to intercept pirates attempting to land in the adjacent bays.

Communications.

42. A good system of communication is one of the first essentials to the success of any scheme against the pirates, and to enable the forces stationed in the neighbourhood to be used to the full.

44.

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