CO129-553-3 Anti-piracy measures 7-3-1935 - 4-11-1935 — Page 86

2.

Piracy of the s.s. Tungchow"

(Commodore, Hong Kong's No.H.K.530 dated 9th February 1935)

86

7. Finally, I submit that at present firms shelter them- selves behind the Board of Trade regulations, which, they say, prevent them from grilling certain ships adequately. On the China coast, the safety of life at sea is also dependent on the steps taken to guard against piracy, and I consider that no ship should be allowed to proceed to sea unless she is properly protected. I suggest that some responsible Board should be set up to inspect all ships for this purpose, no British ship being allowed to proceed unless she holds this Board's certificate, which should also state in each case the number of guards required to be carried.

(Sgd) Frank Elliott.

Commodore.