1927-04-25 — Page 10

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THE PIRACY PROBLEM.

SUNNING COMMISSION. MAKES REPORT.

COMPREHENSIVE

REVIEW.

The Commission which inquired Into the Sunning piracy has presented its report, a lengthy and interesting, dreument. In brief, il finds as follows;

Searches. In view of the lax system prevailing" at other ports, it is an easy matter for pirates to smuggle arms and am- munition on-board. The Hengkong Government should endeavour to induce the authorities at Coast Ports to make searches more effective.

THE HONGKONG TELEGRAPH.

to

Was

Generally, the topression created that the Piracy Prevention Regulations were not taken very

מק

has

cape.

Was

MONDAY,

they

APRIL 25, 1927.

Unpopular.

Wireless.

A

The question of wireless and they

Destructive Criticism. signalling is dealt withe exhaustively in Lt.-Contr. lole's memorantium (Appendix ) The suggestions

Most of views on points of de- made therein clearly deserve careful

tail of indial mombers of the Pilties of the Cham- consideration by swners, so long a Shipping Sub (he installation of wire telegraphy of Commerce dealt with in

rapha. The part of the their appropriate tr remalis optional.

The

possibility of commi-the Chinese General Chamber of Com number of concealed revolvers was 1-The officers did not carry to defence for the officers quarters and in ship which contains practically only Omcors' and Marine Engineers' Culics, In the case of the a. Ko Chow a

volvers (Regulation 3),

the 1st class cabins; but the prin Chinend. The 2-The main deck grilles were con- ciple of the fortified citadel formylatvance, with pirates and the smaller merca and the Chinese shipowners; found under conditions which made thucusly open, and the star- ed in the report of the Commisalonersighting power of Chinese as compar-and a qualified support, though init highly probable that a gang of board

The all the passengers resulted in the da grille on the saloon deck

the Sul. An Piracy has nowed with Indians has still to be con effect cuvaring all the important pirates was actually on board. been put to the severest practical was generally open,

These disadvantages may, however, be Macao Steamboat Co., Ltd.

by the pro-Hongkong General Chamber of Com-Lention of a number of suspects. 3.--The guards' quarters were wit Lest, and while it has been justined sidered, and must not be overlooked. points, by the Hongkong Canton and close examination by the Polico of

unted outside the grilled aren, also been more closely defined. well counter-balanced

the

1.5.bability that Chinese would be quicker meres forwards, Mr. R. Sutherland's Suspicion, however, was only based on The unfortified bridge of and no precautions were taken

secure a continuous watch Sunning proved itself impregnable; than Indians to see signs of danger, Searching scheme Tad various indivi- the fact that the detained men spoke, at the times of changing guard, and falling control of only this past and the officers would thus receive deal opinions of members of the ship the same dialect as the man who had

of Indeed there was little if any.

earlier warning to enable them to take ping sub-committee. It makes purcharge of the revolvers, and that they ship, the

The whole plan of the

theular roference in the covering let-enme from the same district at about control of the guards by the piratés completely defeated measures for defence:

Cliven a fortified bridge, with guards No criticisms or suggestioris as toter to the possible conflict between the same time. Details of this naturo officers. Further the grilles were of a at the entrances under the eye of the the number of guards to be carried the Piracy Provention Regulations could not be elicited in an ordinary were received. But an in every case and the Board of Trade Regulations, parte, nor would they form ground renson such as the previous discovery nature that made them suf- officer of the watch, a surprise is

of the revolvers. This discovery, it ciently easy to scale, and it is lurly passible: and it may be safely the offers secmed confident of being and it dmw attention to the value for action unsupported by some good abould be rotel, was directly due to probable that The pirates surmised that pirates, whose onlynble to hold the bridge indefinitely of Wireless,

given sufficient warning, it would ap

ertness on the part of the ship's per launched their minin attack by object it is to get away with the

would even hesitate to plan an pear that the number of guards to passing through the open main aut if they ww

such a serious be curried should be governed by the

man, "el. dek grille doors, scaling the grilles at the fore-end of the obstacle in the way of success. Even number of watchmen required for centre castle to the boat deck, with control of the engine room it the grilles. and gaining access unnotic would be difficult for them to dirent

the ship to their lair; and the bridge.

could succeed in running aground

The system recommended; In considering the general adminis (easily possible in the case of river stemmers), they are still under fire ratio of the guarda, difficulties in from the bridge in attempting to ea

the way of the existing system ever Government fond be to encourage And meanwhile it has hech

'd lo possible for the officers on the bridge becoming completely efficient at one such installation. In every possible remainder consists of suctions for to continue sending out signals of appear. It is unpopular with owners manner, not the lenst important being small additions to the defans equip

and officers alike, and while this as the reduction of charges for antiment of the ship, such as shoo.

But the Comnilswell within the competones of ho distress in the hope of receiving aa-

popularity may be due to the dislike piracy messages sistance, at most within a few hours of the whole Piracy Prevention Ra. Bionors wish to go further and to re- Caplain' to provide without referenco The Commissioners note with some alations as a lovernment measure commend for the favourable considers to the Piracy Prevention Regulations. tion of the Government that the enrey- (a matter of common knowledge), the position of the Indian guarda ing of wireless telegraphy he made disappointment that the letter from open to special attack. Of all the compulsory on the lines of the enact the Chamber of Commerce contains crew on board, these guards alone are ments in force in the United Kingdom.no suggestion that action on the part to mention this fact only to draw at-neessitated by the design. Guards not engaged by the ship and are tot They are of ophion that compulsory of the owners or of the officers by way tution to the lack of any plan at the entrances are Continuously entirely subject to ship's discipline 13 installations will quickly devolop into of precaution against attack is called

and under the eye of the officer of the are the others. They must be re-a powerful and general anti-piracy d-fence organised by owners efflers, such I might reasonably watch and at the arms are within isitioned for to the Captain Superin- measure, and the recommendation is than constructive suggestion is fore- ; have been expected to exist pending the grilled brige. It was consistendent of Police." (Regulation 37), the more readily made as it appears the formulation of the Scheme of tently maintained that tim bridge so The Captain Superinlendent of Poliv only to carry to its logical conclusion from a "members' opinion included in

the letter

"When the report of the Commis- from the Chamber of Commerce. could be hell indefinitely even as required and has the power to re- two officers. And it is from these move any guard from any ship us he The Minority Report is dealt with sioners of the Sunning Piracy is steamers no protected that the Commay think fit.

The guards also reexhaustively in the memorandum by complete it will no doubt mission received evidenen of antisfae-eive their pay and their punishments Licut, Commander Pitcairn Jones, what extent the Regulations were car impossible to put certain Regulations tion with the system in force. Gene at the hands of the shore authorities. D.S.C., R.N., which forms Appendix ried out, and whether it was found The shipping sub- rally speaking confidence in the value There is under the Piracy Prevention III, and the Commissioners wish to

with the into practice. of the grille system was shown by the Regulations no system for supplying record their concurrence odieers of Liver Stenmera-in strik-ton captain the previous records of criticisms and conclusions et that committee will be in a better position The question of the to offer suggestions for the improve ing contrast to the officers of coastal men quartered on, his ship, nor for memorandum.

the Report is presented." even made to elaborate it, as by a

taken by himself or his officers against Prevention Regulations

The Regulations indeed ever since. of Trado Regulation was on 15th November, 1926, zeizeljaz recent events have proved that eas of the aville was repeivel, but ships-and efforts in some cases were informing hita of the result of action f possible conflict between the Piracyment of existing conditions after the

proper arrangement of the lights of any of the guards.

However strict Board

above their institution appear to have pro- heun clolk with

ided ar opening for destructive criti section V the oat deck and the after grilles, ly the guards may be instructed that has

paragraph The officer my watch on a pretected while on board they are as entirely under

Pirate Bases.The Government should continue to press for the co-operation of the Chinese authorities to deal with the evil ashore, and should such co-operation be withheld BMS Government should take independent action as an international duty.

seriously anong the officers, and that there was a false sense of security board with a lack of pirncy pre- cautions. I should be noted that the Shing at the time of the piracy lud authoritative "Scheme of De- fonce as

as retired by Regulation 21. The stairson applied to many other ships at the time, and still applica.

This principle of a fortified bridge In view of the dual recommenda-s in fact the one thm of this Report, it is necessary River Steamers: A

is almost DE

Patrals. The necessity for all possible patrolling by the Navy should continue to be emphasised.

Regulations. The whole of the Piracy Prevention Regala- tions should be ruscinded and other defensive measures

as protection of bridges, by grilles and recommended such Rodgers, with guards at entrances; subsidiary grillès to isgiate the offices and feet class cabins; arrangenend of lights to commist defence; system of alarm Bellwand plan for concentration on alarm.

Wireless-May be compul-ery but should Jus encouraged,

A Piracy Board.--There should be a Piracy Board, to enl- lect data and to advise.

The report, in full, is as follows:

(b) in inquire how it was possible for the pirates in size the ship;

the

22312612744

7 הכיוון

Honourable Mr. H. R. Halifax, C.M.G., C.B.F., (Chair).

Honourable Mr. F. D. C. Wolfe. Lient, Commander G. E. Hale, R.X. Contander F. N. Miles, 0.112,

R.N.

Mr. W. G. Geggin. Captain A. J. Hollani, The sittings of the Commission were delayed by, the resity for awaiting the conclusion of criminal proceedings instituted against a num-i her of the pirates who had been ar rested. Meanwhile the Proclamation of 2nd December, 1923, added the name of Captidu A. H Stewart lo the Commission and the Inst of the terms of reference (e) set out above. The Proclamation of 4th February) 1927, tituted Lien-Commander I. J. Pitcairn Jones, D.SC., RN..

Following facts:

Nome

V.--(e) To eunsider the efficiency ship and to make recommenda tions us to the alterations and ad- ditinas, if any, that may be deem- ed nessary in the s. Sunning pr ether sea-going ships.

1. Grilles and access to lifeboats;

The alle

however, the air only then : Diame

rs, the gs. Hydmoga Britishs and the Hanoi and the ss. Song Bo (French) caraged in the pangrager Trade. It is evitont theretice that at my port (with the esciption ner- lays of Bangkok, and 15wong Ela Want on the const between Shanghat and Singapore it is an easy mihition at fir an shore searching it escr foil, to pawgirle on heard arme and

ananition.

|

-1

42

Searching Biticult, Searching by ships personnel Illan guard.

of a nature to

01

ور

It

eni-

"At present the anomalous condi-

appeare therefore that the Band of Trade, in spite of the pro- pine given to the risks involved, a found it unneressary to enter may protest against the grilles since

tion.

sign,

On River Steamers,

adopted by the

for 11

The rectannendations

by

VI-(d) to Consider the Supply of

of

for

Destructive criticism rather shadowed in the following extract

Nationalist

Attitude.

show to

We, the members of the Commis-, worn ned limited to the area defined gion appointed by His Excellengy the by the Piracy Prevention Regulation. The "Danger Zone" (which:

A cert number of minor criti- Governor to inquire into the circumst stoners under which the s. Sunningg stretches Trian Amoy to Haiphor),

the general question. One by piratea while on the voyage from pirate organisation is capable of them were

value of the searching methods enteral objection only to the grilles Shanghai to Hongkong; and in pare envering a much wider hedd. ticular:

of and indepen (a) to inquire how it was possibly played by the Ilongko authorities principle was received by the Com

dent neton and the Commissioners for the pirates la pet on board is cojinidored antler svetion VII parajesion: that in times of panic they bridge will undoubtedly carry a very subjret to ships' discipline as are any1, and it remains to consider Mr.ala which has been seized to the de

-im- of individual members. upon to vious that there must remain an the ship with

and greations eaily made are saving, grad that in particular thoyat short notice he called

arry out without hesitation ordersjurtant distinction. The Captain's The Commissioners, whilst having bave been fluenced by this view in The ratiosar un in harmony with the Boril possession:

dealt with separately.

power is vicarious only, and this in full appreciation of the care with making their Anal recommendations.

2. The root o piracy. the tissersmens'a letter oficited the Trade Instructions as to the Sur which should have been laid down in

vey of Tafe Saving Appliances, 1996; advance as part of a considered genterference with the traditions of the which Mr. Sutherland's scheme has

It is a common place to repeat that cral plan, affecting the lives of all sea is naturally resented; while the been elaborated, can but agree with

his inema-the elimination of piracy on the Chin A1 the parts of Shanghai, Penebow, wrap: 10 of which states

Proper provision must he made for the Europeans on board excepting s are inclined to regard the the suggestion où page 35 (c) to consider the officiency of the

anti-piracy fittings in the ship Amy, Swalow, Pakkii, Hoikow and

acres of passengers to the embarks those on the bridge The action shore authorities as their real mas randum (see Appendix I) that the const mast await improve out in the It is hardly to be expected that proposat as put forward possibly geen that while no effort is mis to condition of the country as whole and to make recommendations The riverine ports the starring is

tion deel and for controlling and taken must ultimately depend on in-ters. to the alterations and ad- dine try the Chinese Maritime as-

arc concerned deal with pirates in their lairs asitas if any, that toy be tons. The Chinese Maritime Casmarlailing them and finally

Lonis rice is a revenue podealing barking them in the lifebouts in the Nividual character and determina-they should be averea from taking beyond the scope of your reference,"

of the advantage of the opportunities this The Coramissioners

power med nerweary in the 8.8.

Commissioners can go no further division of responsibility, apart from with the scheme. solely as an anti-by their own. Government, and while Sunning or other cra-going putter than preventive service, and shortest possible time.......

in comuniture there is little search by that sitrum statues may arise the consideration of the best form of their special position in bond the Piracy measure, and it is therefore the efforts of those with

in which certain grilles would pre-

assistance that can be given to 4ship, provides.

only the improved searching facili throughout the land end only in the ships:

to lifeboat; but determination to resist, which must

ties suggested that they have to con-encouragement of disorder and des (d) consider the supply of arming of passengers and their bagage

which the

sider. ontwand und steaners; in factor ready ree

be assumed and they find that as

Training of Guards.

They note in the first place traction, so long will piracy flourish

increase. Given the will, ed guards, the number to be carried and their administra avengers Langage is interfered the weak foundation with a little as possible,

sistance in a closer definition of the At the real criticina Stands-and it i

The Commissioners do not deal with that the blessing given to the scheme and citadel ilea as developed from its tion; and

one.The Chamber would welcome Chinese authority to smoke ont such a notorious nest as Bias Bay, and t (c) to consider generally and to port of Saigon and Haiphout the subported in defall is shown by

ate recomendations as to local French authorities are chiefling tios from the letrigin in the report on the picacy of the internal details of administration by the Chamber is only a qualifiet would be a simple matter for any

the ss. Sui Aa, in the belief that such as the training of the guards the practical development of such a Derconcerned with the previstics of the for dated 1 February, 1927, of

so defended will discourage the There was no reason to find fault, and

conditions affecting shipping" (letter Chinese can be induced to take ac preventing pisney:

and milion. AL Singapore, which appears in Appen-attention et pirates, Arson or whole even if defects should appear they scheme, with due regard to general keep it under control: but until the have the honour to submit the fol-geling into Indo-China of are the heatheng General Chamber of

The prin- le murder would hardly be resorted would be matters of detail compar-datel 10th March, 1924, from the tion themselves, or to allow action to inving report and recommendations, there is as searching creept on in-

Srmation. The reply from Bar

to by pieals, except in revenge for tively easily remedied. tion exists that shipping com-

....if it can be made to risk of piracy in Chinese waters wil ment)" want of success; and a probable, or cipal weakness of the system is the Chamber of Commerce to the Guvern- be taken in the common interest, the

the c The Commission.

kot stated that outward and deck

dovetail into existing shipping organi- remain. We say this much on the panies are compelled by the

even possible, want of success will divided responsibility, and Piracy Prevention Regulations t

commendations of the Commissionersations without injuring economic point not because we have any doub Sindarly The Commission as drivinally apasagers were thoroughly search.

form a powerful deterrent... Cake measures which the Beard

A purely Government scheme in are directed to this point. They are working, the proposal has much to that the Hongkong Government printed by Procloration on 29th Nd by the police.

of Trade surveyor ought, strict-

direction yember, 1926, consisted of the fol-Kwon they Wan, form which port.

of eliminating pirate uch circumstances zot unnaturally of opinion that the engagement yaking refuse to sane-

Chamber at the Annual Meeting on inites criticism and objection; andguards should (subject to one impor commend it," (the Chairman of the making every possible effort in the lowirst anembers:

24th March, 1921)This Chamber, aahore, but because a reference, the tion."

this the grilles system has received, tant proviso) be left entirely to

on 10th March, 1924, informed the calls for "recommendations as to th measures necessary for preventin In spite of this, however, and in spite owners-who would naturally be ex of a certain lack of interest displayed pected to co-operats in making their Colonial Government that it approved

with their compradores, selection in it by owners and officers generally,

development, ed. Wholly to prevent piracy in the Commissioners accept the position whose safes form one of the first this proposal in principle and would pirney" cannet otherwise be answer their institution in 1914.

that the grille system has positive objectives of all piraten--but that if welcome its practical

affecting shipping," (letter dated 11th which breed pirates, the common dut The abarneo of any other serious value if it incorporates the lessons desire is expressed to enlist Govern-with duo regard to general conditions volves a destruction of the condition

of experience and is adapted to de- ment assistance in securing recruits, February, 1927 from the Chamber to of every civilised Government.

The qualification the Captain Superintendent of Police it bein, to tether with the consensual od squ) son that the system has advan-

to make is apparently due to the inconvenience employer concerned, and

The attitude of the Nationalis and extra expense that may be caused tazes as an anti-piracy measure, lead

Should be directed to consult with the the Commission). Armet Guards, the Number to be

such arrangements as may in each to shipping by the necessity for Government to the question appea conclusior. Fe Commission LD the

Carried and their Administration,

There remains case be agreed upon,

move from wharf to in the following extract from a tel 1. The present system.

the proviso, at the value of the grilles for this possible

Men engaged as guardu steamers to purpose may override the

The opinions elicited from witnesses

E. Telchma diet with the Board of Trade In-

showed on fairly well marked divi-only are in a position distinct from wharf, if the proposal as to searching team received by the Governor

to conceive how the provision of extra I remained to examine the value

The risks involved by

C. in Hankow:-- strations

ion in the general view of the value that of ordinary members of a ship's is to be eurried out, since it is difficult arken Front Mr. f such searching as we provide by

The Minister for Foreign Affai grilles may vasily be exaggerated,

wharves and gown facilities, with which the remainder of the report is Mr. Eugene Chen] yesterday (19 ships personnel and the Indias

for it is hardly conceivable that all of the guards. The majority of the eres, and their efficiency and desir rnards, and the Commision was left

Remille card should be suddenly plicers of the east ships seemed to ability should be safeguarded by in- don't that, in the conditions linensle dumbed or durave little enfalence in them, while resting the Captain Superintendent concernui, could occasion such appresturch, 1927) gave me his reply abo as appears in these three Bias Bay in the sense that his Go of andern trade, effective pearchjasserted and su become unopenable; the river steamer ofleers had itle of Police with a general power of

Lord the skin is practically h

commandy e full to find. The cause of this supervision. One method of attain hension

denting with shore would be worse than useles is particularly busy time is valant partially lowered belivergense of opinion no doubt liesing this object would he the addition quotations. This deduction is not anment considered that puniti

it the different conditions obtaining to Section 4 of the Army Ordinance augury for the success of that measures against the villagea N.

bere passengers are barkel. But

(No. 2 of 1900) of a sub-section, pro- part of the scheme The on the coast and on the river. ogin and. Captain A. J. Hollard, of value and the ship is a hive of his weessary to enter the proviso who had resigned.

that so standard plan of grilles enn river runs are muliers, of hours onlyviding that gaurds so employed on searching, which calls for the fullest they would not stop piracies on sengers, agents, messengers all just devired to suit all ships able; und intermittent, while the coast run any vessel should be subject to the co-operation of all concerned; but in high seas and would only provoke t approval of the Captain Superintended the Commissioners doubt whepirates to reprisal; and that the b The Commission met for the fruity, lovedores, nolieg, 14.

are continuar over periods of time on 6th December, 1926, helde en chet The decks are a

and nights,

The Emiles of counted den of Pelice, and that this approval ther the scheme, even if completely means of desing with the evil

could at any time in his discretion be developed, would have any appreciable for us to station & man-of-war ential, litter of cargo and cargo boots and pation to each separate design is meetings, wul examined

effect in the reduction of piracies. the neighbourhood of Ts Bay thirteen

of intercepting pirat steamers, at which the guards

the purpose with wireless P venspan fall doneritis negeri- seventeen witnesses,

coupled tationed, are in most cases out of withdrawn.

vessels, sarily luster thickly almsida.

and fight of the officer of the watch, while -(e) to Consider Generally and

The information in the hands of the caution inercised vízilanter. over the crews at the po the concentration of the grille system 19 Make Recommendation as to the The events on the gt. Sunning cm.

The bridge in river atenmeta keem Measures Necessary for Preventing

Piracy,

Commission, and the description on of embarkation, where, (rather th The st. Suoning is a steel seres

The guards continually under thu

1. Request for suggestion and the pages 33 and 34 of Mr. Sutherland's in the Bias Bay villages), pirag they could do in the way of search. | phu, Ford two points. Firstly, that if Brilles are to he user, they must be steamer of 2,555 tons, Official Non-

shwest supervision. Even with these

were planned and pirate organi r would be quite ineffective.

response. Wireless and Senrehing inmembeardum of the methods of search in this case the

employed by the Hongkong Police, Liens were based." ber 139,560 owned by the China Na

advantages, however. there was no

Hongkong. strong impression created by the

addressed to show that in this matter of searching vigation Co., Ltd. and constructedly effective search would entadin calcaide, as

The Commissioners in 1916 by the Talkan Dockyard and ach'n large staff or to mach: delay, pirates appear to have sealed the

offers of river steamers that Fudian the Hongkong General Chamber of Hongkong is at least as thorough a The upper scess and the bridge. Engineering Co. of Hongkong, Jimit-perably both, as to make it to all forward reille to gain access to the

guards were indispensable, and the Commerce, the Chinese General Cham-nny part on the China const, and is Commisben here linds signs of the

opinion seemed to hold that if a sur ber of Commerce, the China Coast more thorough than the majority 3. Garastes for passengers. Ove Company appears to demand versiependence on the Government

prise could be prevented by reliable from its Compradore some sort of Derulations and of the lack of co

could hold the gineers' Guild of China, Mesra, Jar-paratively rare, and there has been no ease since January, 1994; while the alarm, the officers

dine. Matheson & Co., Ltd., Messrs. guarantee for every passenger. Theperation which is one of the wonk-discipline, an alert watch, and an early Offers Guild, and the Marine En Piracles out of Hongkong "are com-

bridge.

For watchmen of this an ture the choice between Indians and Butterfield and Swire, Messrs. Dou-Police search, aided by an efficient de Chinese, perhaps from other proglas Lapruik and Co. Ltd., the Hong: teeth service ashore, has been de- It would cinees than Kwang Tung, seemed to kong Carton and Macao Steambosfinitely responsible for preventing

pirates at the Tu no suggestion of uny Jeaning, (among officera of river in Hongkong, a letter in the follow-appear therefore that

ready avoid Hongkong-the cul-

or at the "parts of embar be a matter of personal feeling, with Co., Ltd., and the Chinese shipowners more than one attempt. temer) Lowards Indian guards foring terms:

"I um directed by the Commission-ties of operating from this centre are

the heir fighting qualities, in the event if it broomag possible to defend the ers, appointed by His Excellency the saliciently great to drive them else. tion,

Bay villages, piracies are plan Governer on 2nd December, 1926, for where where their road is easy, and

based poris, Chinn to-day men of all grades of whole are inside the outer grilles.

Offers from coastal steamers had the purpose of conducting an enquiry as long as the Colons can hold this and the organizations

have taken to piracy, and the co iltle good to say for the guards. into anti-piracy measures, to request position in relation to other following the order of the terms of fate where and exactly by standing importance, to ho learnt

Their discipline was not satisfactory you to be good enough to furnish them further precautions in this direction hy nd their behaviour often open to with your views on the Piracy Pre- may even lay themselves open to tinns are such that no action age ference, follows:

two deelt vention Ordinance Regulations at the charge of being unnecessarily them en hope for final success un stringent. What is required is a con- it is strongly supported by dete (a) To inquire how it was pos- what means the pirates gut on board from the experience of the Sunningplaint, as with only

in force." is the value of a protected bridge.

fivers besides the Captain, it was presentat inviting criticisms of mon level of search throughout the end executive action ashore.

charen of neglect in this conne sible for the pirates to get on board the ship with their armas, it was an

The recovery of a ship already in the ship with arms in their poshonmay matter for them to have donc

ran lie against the British Goy b completely effective must be back- at any of the coast porta.

complete charge of the pirates was aut possible to exereiso continuous

from a completely supervision over duties out of sight these Regulations the Commissionersports concerned, and auch search to effect entirely IV-(b) To inquire how it was

of the bridge. The lack of interest particularly desire to receive any sug undefended bridge, very lightly possible for the pirates to seize

hewn by the officers in the guards gestiona which you may wish to put ei by an efficient, detective system ment. but the Nationalist Gov Hongkong has set a stanement, which claims control over

the ship.

nud. The centre castle grilles had

stunds condemned, by the w a letter to the authorities concerned The pirates depended for success beer forced, anal were at no further is no doubt partly responsible for forward for the improvement of exist-nahore.

to other centres." It remains for those of its own. at the ports of Shanghai, Fouchow, on getting control of the ship by value to the defence, if indeed they his state of affairs, but there is reaing conditions, whether such suggesdal in this matter, both ane and sential parts of the "ports of embr measures for from exhibiting a desire to shot ever had the whole valub attribnated for this mental attitude, and it tions are directly connected with the fleat, high enough to drive the pirates Foreign Minister. S Amoy. Swatow, Kwong Chow Wan, surprise; and the execution of their

It would be convenient if in other centren to take is obvious that even in otherwise well Regulations or not." Grilles enclosing ouch a Fakthi, Saigon, Haiphong, Bangkok, carsfully prepared plan was facilitat to them.

are finally driven off the face of the tion reveals an anxiety to diver Lention from the Bins Bay area Singapore and to the Commissioner el hy a disregard in certain re-wide area have obvious weaknesses; disciplined ships, the control of the of Chince Maritime Customs, Kow-prets, on the part of the owners and doors have to be continually opered guards offers peculiar, dificulties, your reply, you would bo so good as driving them still farther until they an obvious responsibility, the q

ght ufficient to prevent the presence of to nominate a witness or witnesse

There is also put forward a plan guilt of which is established the watch, ard, even

where suspi in force and the actual practice re-spirit and the letter of the Piracy of the officer of loon, caquiring as to the regulations of the officers of the ship, of the hut, the guards are out of sight indian guards en board coastal ships who would elaborate it orally as may map of the China coast.

The replies, which appear in Ap for searching, which deserves further proof incontrovertible, But again something by the officers,

Briefly the may, be justified. but garding the searching, other than by 'revention Regulations. The causes in the must favourable conditions of boing generally viewed with favour be required."

na Ka Chow incident. ships' officers and guards, of pussen-of this divergence and the respon-preparedness, the numbers normally

available for defence are, to smalt in the shape of alert watchmen fupendix I to this letter, may be sum examination in the light of the recent areas, elsewhere

Chineso nuthorities ers either on shore or on board ship, aibility for it are dealt with in R

Unqualified support for what is plan is that all intending passengers proof has still to be provided of their baggage, and of cargo to later purngropli For the purpose for flicient protection of such an ex-required, and again the choice of na-marised as follows:

(Continued or Page 11.) which there is easy access on board of reply to the question under contended Dne of defence against a de tionality becomes a personal matter,

Chineso us being Appendix III), was given by Mesars.bo paraded before them, so that the selves, who voice the suspicion. ship, in order to prevent the smuggleration it in sufficient to note that termined attack. They may concory. with sons leaning in this cuse to known as the "Minority Report," (ace should file past detectives, or should the ing on board of arms and ammuni- the control on board was lax theably rifford valuable assistanco, theywards Northern

cun for instance form a first line of more canlly adaptable to the life of Butterfield and Swire, the China Coast. detectives should 'spot' undesirables. tion. It is to be noted that onquiries | following respects;

Mr. T. 6. Wall and Captain 5. W.

for Commander f.

Davison, R.KERN. Mr. W. .. In part. nl the ship's per-

thee

Miles,

11-The .. Sunniag and the Piracy Incident,

The Indian guards are utilised, if

at all, mere as sentries on the rang way than as searchers, and the Alte

:

Fortified Bride.

''. Fortified Bridge.

eranto form, however, as submit uld not be necessary to wait for

messes of the present system; for i

ed. She is engaged in the convey-intents and purposes impossible.

of CITO and passengers he tween Hongkong and China coast porte. On 15th November, 1920, at 0.30 am, the .. Soning left Amog for Hongkong. At about 3.10 pan.

Commission contains no on the same day pirates, who had ted to the

examination by the "Scheine of De ጊዜ travelled disguised

unnelina and in the circumstances passengers

are obvionaly surprise attack, secured of the passenger trade on the eastfener Committee" before making in- Jaunched 13 the officers, disarmed the Tedian the formulee appeared to the Comprovements, such as

to the grille guards, and were soon in passion is to be of no value. Whether desirable. Additional strength could of the ship. The ship was retaken ricter conditions would make it of also have been given during the following night as the re-value, or whether the change would defence by the incorporation of steel sult of resourceful and daring section destroy the traflie, in a matter for plats and dedgers; an expedient

which deserve more careful cons for which the Chief and Second carh Company to decide for itself.

Conclusion.

deration than it at present appeare The Commisainners

are therefore to receive, that, whilst it is impos- The second lesson, and one of out-

Officers were

The reply arily responsible.

sion.

the Commissionera,

1. Searching at coast porte

The Hongkong Government at the request of the Commission addressed

man-

are

Police Search.

The evil is thus admitted as is a the fact that its roots lie ashore; no hint is given of any attempt deal with it. Advice is tendered; the patrol suggestion is open to obvious raply that if called for all it should be matter for the G ernment claiming control of the trirt, and to the criticism that patrol afloat can hope at the to deal only with a few pirates a piracies have been comple

to

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THE