CO129-547-3 China Piracy- anti piracy guards 25-1-1934 - 3-12-1934 — Page 79

79

END

When the "Deli Maru" was pirated the grilles had been left open.

In the case of the "Hai Ching" the pirates gained access to the main deck through an unsecured

manhole but were unable to secure control of the

bridge. These ships all carried guards.

Of the remaining eight vessels, two only

carried guards.

It is estimated that of vessels holding Hong

Kong passenger certificates some seventy-five per cent

are fitted with grilles.

5. The figures quoted would therefore appear to

afford a strong argument in favour of the provision of

grilles and guards, since, during the period under

review no ships so provided were victims of piratical

attack except where through some momentary slackening

of precautions the pirates succeeded in establishing

themselves inside the grille.

6.

The provision of grilles and the car ying

of guards is not compulsory. If compulsion were

introduced it might raise the question of responsibility

of the Authority requiring such compulsory safeguards.

بواری

I have the honour to be,

Sir,

Your most obedient, humble servant,

wine

Governor, &c.