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October, 1934. "SAGA" sailed for two days
exercises. The same evening searchlights were observed burning off S. Lantau probably in Chinese waters. During daylight hours "SAGA" anchored off Lamma Island, out of sight of observation from Hong Kong but under observation from a Police Launch. Officers from "SAGA" landed and spent some hours ashore.
Her actions in Chinese waters are no concern of ours, but they may at the same time be indicative.
As the Hong Kong Ordinances and Police Regulations are now constituted there is nothing to prevent foreign warships anchor ing in Tolo Harbour or anywhere they care to outside the harbour limits; and persons may land therefrom provided they are not landed in large bodies or under arms.
The above summarises the observed activities of this vessel within the past few months. There is little concrete evidence that can be produced to substantiate a statement that "SAGA'S" activities are possibly of a doubtful nature; but it is suggested that from a considera- tion of all the facts observed and known about her, that her activities are at times not above suspicion.
If the suggestion that "SAGA'S" activities are of a doubtful nature is correct it must at the same time be admitted that such activities do not appear to be of much value or to be vitally detrimental to our interests. This being so, it is for consideration whether from this point of view it is worth while taking steps to prevent a recurrence of such activities on "SAGA'S" part in the future in British waters.
The gunboats of other foreign nations, excepting the Chinese, based on or frequently making use of the facilities of Hong Kong, give due notice of any movements other than direct journeys to and from the port; but in "SAGA'S" case this is not entirely so. As far as is known she does not infringe the regulations of the Colony, but at the same time her unannounced movements and appearances in odd corners of the Colony are to say the least of it an exhibition of bad manners.
It is suggested that on these grounds a protest could be issued and a stop could be put to "SAGA'S" unannounced movements.
As pointed out above, with the existing regulations it is possible for foreign men of war to anchor anywhere they like in the Colony with the exception of within the habour limits.
In normal circumstances this is accepted, in view, however, of other circumstances such as Combined Operations, modifications to the defences of the Colony, or other circumstances where secrecy is required, it is submitted for consideration whether steps should not now be taken so as to provide a lever for the future, to tighten up the regulations of the Colony so as to ensure that foreign men of war snall anchor only within the harbour limits, except in emergency, or on having given due notice of intention to anchor elsewhere.
(sgd.)
A.L.BESANT.
LIEUTENANT COMMANDER,
STAFF OFFICER (INTELLIGENCE).
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