CO129-579-3 Sino-Japanese War- shipping 30-10-1938 - 23-12-1939 — Page 107

2.

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and, if they have reason to believe that sections 22(3) or

22 (6) of the Merchant Shipping Ordinance (Ordinance No.10

of 1899) have been infringed, to arrest the master guilty

of infringement. As the maximum penalty for an offence under

these sections is only a fine of $100 it is obvious that it

is unlikely to act as a deterrent.

4.

On the other hand I am informed that the

Government cannot order the removal of any parts of the

engines of these ships except (a) as an Act of State under

your authority or (b) by passing an energency regulation

under Ordinance No.5 of 1922 especially for this purpose.

5.

In the circumstances I have no option but to

lay the facts before you and to request your instructions.

In the meanwhile I am ordering the Police to keep a dose watch on these vessels but if you are of the opinion that

more positive measures are desirable I should be glad to

receive your instructions by telegraph.

I have the honour to be,

Sir,

Your most obedient, humble servant,

1.G.V. kathion

Governor.