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for the "Deli Maru".
23.
Further enquiries were made regarding the Japanese communication scheme: it appears that the scheme is confined to the "Deli Maru", four ships of the Nippon Yusen Kaisha, and a few other ships not on a regular run: all these communicate with "Saga" on the commercial wave (500 metres). It is believed that the Fifth Destroyer Flotilla, based on Bako in the Pescadores, are also concerned.
24. Information was received from the Press on the 9th February that the Rengo Press Agency at Shanghai had reported that the Japanese "Kamuru Maru" had been pirated and taken to Bias Bay, and that the British "Kamuning", Straits to Hongkong, had been pirated in the same vicinity. It is not known what occasioned this rumour.
25.
At 2039 on the 18th February, a report was received from the Master of the Hamburg-Amerika s.s. "Bergenland" that "Vessel fired several rockets, may be "attacked by pirates" 20 miles east-south-east of Breaker Point. The s.s. "Kwantung" on the Northern Routeing System, was known to be carrying bullion. She had reported her departure from Swatow at 1800 and would be in about the position given by the "Bergenland". She was not due to report again until 2200. The Anti-Piracy Patrol Vessel ("Diana") was therefore ordered to investigate, and the destroyer next for patrol ordered to raise steam. The "Kwantung's" report of "All well" was received at 2235; and at 2240 "Diana" stopped and boarded the s.s. "Sheng Lee" (Ching Kee Steam Navigation Company, Hongkong), whose Master, a Japanese, denied that any rockets had been fired but admitted that some of the Chinese crew had been firing crackers to celebrate the Chinese New Year. Some crackers were produced which, when fired, might easily have been mistaken for rockets.
At my request, the Hon. Harbour Master, Hongkong has taken the matter up with the owners, all of whose ships incidentally are commanded by Japanese.
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