Report on Firacy of the s,s. Tungchow"
(Commodore, Hong Kong's No.H.K.530 dated 8th February 1935)
78
23. As regards the detection and punishment of the pirates, Messrs. Butterfield and wire have, at my suggestion, offered a reward of H.K.$2,500 for information leading to the arrest and identification of the pirate leader, and the Canton Government have offered a further $5,000, $2,000 for the arrest of the No.1 pirate, and $3,000 for the gang. Messrs. Butterfield and Swire have also arranged for the Master and Chief officer of the "Tungchow" to be sent South and to be held available to identify any pirates caught. The matter now seems to be in the hands of the Cantonese, who are, however, being kept up to the mark by H.M. Consul General, Canton and myself. On our instigation, notice of the rewards offered is being broadcast by press, radio and oinena.
24. A very full report of the statements of those in the "Tungchow" has just been received from the Hong Kong Police. I am anxious that this should be read carefully by my staff officers as soon as possible, and it is then intended to forward it for your perusal in the Blue Funnel S.S. HECTOR, due at Singapore approximately 19th February. As the report is very long and only one copy has been received, it is submitted that it may be returned to me later.
25. In conclusion, I feel that the successful outcome of a piracy on a British ship, following so soon after the Shuntien case, is a most severe blow to British prestige in general, and to that of the firm of Butterfield and Swire in particular. The only answer to this reproach is the capture and punishment of the leader and his gang, and it is for this reason that I have and an pressing the Cantonese authorities to do their utmost.
(Sgd) Frank Elliott.
COMMODORE.
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