Sessional_Paper_1927 — Page 77

73

We would now point out that, although we have been invited to place our views before the Commission, we have no confidence that they will receive any more con- sideration than has been accorded to those which were placed before :-

(a) 13.12.22 "Sui An" Piracy Commission.

(6) 4.2.24

(e) 24.3.24

(d) 10.7.24

The Hon. the Colonial Secretary, Hong Kong.

The Rt. Hon. the Secretary of State for the Colonies.

A Meeting, held at Downing Street London, between Representatives of the Colonial Office, Foreign Office, Admiralty, Board of Trade, Government of Hong Kong and Representatives of the Imperial Merchant Service Guild, Marine Engineers' Association (Lond.), The China Coast Officers' Guild, and the Marine Engineers' Guild of China, to discuss measures for dealing with Piracy in waters adjacent to the Colony of Hong Kong.

(e) 5.12.24 Piracy Regulations Committee, H.K.

()

10.1.25 H. E. The Governor, in the form of a Minority Report of the above (e).

As the document referred to in (c) is possibly not in your possession we have pleasure in enclosing 8 copies for the information of the Commission.

We would emphasise the fact that the views of our Members, as collated in the documents cited above, have undergone no change and, now that we as their repre- sentatives are debarred from hearing any fresh evidence bearing on the matter which may be given at the sittings of the Commission, we are absolutely unable to add to them.

*

With the utmost respect and obedience to any measures His Excellency may deem fit to adopt, the Management Committees and Members of these Guilds, which are com- posed solely of the gentlemen who have physically to combat Piracy, are most strongly of opinion that their accredited representatives should have unrestricted access to any tribunal at which the action of any member or members may be (even part of) the subject under enquiry.

We are instructed to place it on record that, in view of the promises made by the Hon. Mr. A. G. M. Fletcher, the restriction imposed on their representatives in the present instance is viewed by the Members of these Guilds as a clearly defined breach of faith.

Yours faithfully,

(Sd.) T. T. LAURENSON, (Sd.) W. J. STOKES,

Branch Secretaries.

Copy of letter dated 31st March, 1927, to China Coast Officers' Guild & Marine Engineers' Guild of China.

Gentlemen,

Sunning Piracy Commission.

I am directed by the Commissioners to enquire whether it would be convenient for your Guilds to send representatives; to appear before the Commission at the Council Chamber on Tuesday next 5th April at 2.30 p.m.