Sessional_Paper_1927 — Page 158

151

The Bridge, Engine Room and Wireless Room were the main objectives of the pirates, particular attention being paid to the wireless set which was quickly put out of action. At the time of the attack, several shots were fired by the pirates, presumably to frighten the passengers and crew, but nobody was injured. The Captain was ordered to steer a course for Breaker Point, but to keep 80 miles to the South of Hong Kong; the Engine Room staff were ordered to carry out their ordinary duties.

The pirates then began a systematic search of those on board and their effects, anything of value being collected and removed. The ship's cargo was not touched.

After the search, conditions became more settled, the officers and crew going about their duties in the ordinary way, but always closely guarded and watched.

The pirates appear to have been well organised and kept guard in regular watches, but were easily excited and inclined to be "panicky". On the whole they treated their victims well.

In the early morning of the 16th January when off Mendoza Island, the ship was taken charge of by a man who presumably was acting as Pilot for the pirates. This man, however, appeared to have little knowledge of the coast line or of navigation, and after some excitment during which he nearly ran the ship ashore, the Captain was again put in charge. The ship finally reached Tsang Chau Island, Bias Bay, at 8 o'clock on the 16th. The pirates went ashore in two ship's boats, taking with them stolen property in money, jewellery and clothing to the value of $53,360,

It is known that the pirates came from Bias Bay as passengers and that they made their plans in Singapore where they waited for this ship. They thought the ship was carrying bullion and singled her out for this reason. It is not known where they stayed in Singapore or for what length of time, neither is it known whether their arms were purchased there or smuggled out of Hong Kong.

II.-Minute of 15th January, 1925, from Captain Superintendent of

Police, to Colonial Secretary.

With reference to the piracy of the S.S. "Hong Wa' reported on Friday evening the 16th, I beg to report that I asked General Hung Shiu Lun, one of Chan Kwing Ming's generals, whose command extends to the Bias Bay District, and who is residing temporarily in Hong Kong (as he states that he is not well) to call on me on Saturday the 17th, which he did. He was accompanied by Colonel Wong Fuk Chi, who com- mands some 300 troops stationed in Bias Bay, also the few at Sha U Chung, Mirs Bay, Shan Mej and Au Tau (Chinese Territory). I informed him of the piracy and asked him to take immediate action. This he consented to do and he thereupon requested the assistance of a British ship to move his troops. I rang up the Commodore who very kindly consented to place the Admiralty tug "St. Monance" at my disposal under the command of Lieutenant Commander Ingham R.N. She left with Wong Fuk Chi, Mr. Booth, Captain Bloxham, 2 European Detective Inspectors and 6 Chinese detectives in- cluding the Chinese Detective Inspector Chu Heung and an interpreter at 3.30 p.m. on Saturday the 17th.

III.-Report on Joint Operation, from Captain Bloxham, Asst. Supt. of Police, to Captain Superintendent of Police.

Acting on previous instructions the following party left the Royal Naval Dock- yard at 16.45 hrs. on 17th January, 1925, on board His Majesty's Tug St. Monance":

Mr. Booth, A. D. C. I.,

Capt. Bloxham, A. S. P.,

Inspector Pincott, Detective Staff,