CO129-547-3 China Piracy- anti piracy guards 25-1-1934 - 3-12-1934 — Page 52

SECFET

COPY OF MESSAGE

FROM C.in C. China.

DATE

25.6.34.

TIME 1839.

ADDRESSED Admiralty, Commodore in Charge, Hong Kong.

52

699. Consul General Shanghai

telegram 1635 21st June to British Minister and

British Minister's 2336 and 2338 34th June to 0.0.c.

It is important that the navy should not repetition

not be partly immobilised by having to provide guards

for British ocean-going steamships during (? such)

periods as may be required to train and organise the

police-trained guards for (7 ship) trading north of

Shanghai.

In any case unless grilles are

provided only (? partial) protection is afforded by

the guards. Present situation has arisen out of the

neglect of shipping firms to provide grilles and guards

as recommended (? by) C. in C. China.

Consideration

should be given to possibility of shipping firms also

controlling passenger traffic by requiring banker's or

other adequate guarantee.

In connection with Butterfield and

Swire's request for guards it is observed that Jardine,

Matheson are deliberately chartering Norwegian ships

for Shanghai Hong Kong run in which guards cannot be

carried (? because of) objections Norwegian owners.

1910/25.