ENG-1952 — Page 24

REVIEW OF THE YEAR

"Rosita" was fired upon by a Nationalist gun-boat off Foochow and the British master

was killed. The "Rosita", a British registered ship of 709 gross tons owned by a Hong Kong firm, had been attacked with machine-guns and heavy automatic cannon by two gun-boats three days previously while approaching Hungwha. On that occasion she out-distanced her pursuers, but when leaving Hungwha for Foochow three days later she was again intercepted and in response to signals proceeded to stop. Two gun-boats closed on the British ship one firing bursts from machine-guns, finally at point blank range, as a result of which the captain was killed on the bridge. The "Rosita" was then boarded by armed soldiers in uniform and wearing Nationalist K.M.T. insignia, and the boarding party took control of the ship and headed her for Matsu Island. When they discovered they had killed Captain Adams the Nationalists again brought the gun-boats alongside and left the ship, which proceeded to Hong Kong. This ruthless and unprovoked attack, like the "Takshing" incident mentioned above, is indicative of the risks which have to be faced by Hong Kong ships in the China seas at the present time.

The close and friendly relations existing between Hong Kong and Macau were maintained as in previous years. Official visits were exchanged between the Governors of the two Colonies and also between the respective Service commanders. Captain Joachim Marques Esparteiro, the new Governor of the Portugese colony, paid his first official visit early in January. He was accompanied by Madame Esparteiro. Sir Alexander Grantham's return visit, which should have been made in February, was postponed for the

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