CLOSED UNTIL
No...33 755
SUBJECT.
Hay trong
60129/577/3
China Pinary
Anti - Pivary Guands.
Previous
13838/33
Subsequent
53557/35
65065 780/13 5,000 7/48 N.M.Ltd.
1. Gov. 59.
Reports livelve
steamers with obsons.
guards not
of piracy of coastal provision of
compulsory
is submitted opposite for conson
? copy of letter to B/T
{Adunally of 5} on 13838/33.
wund Enals b
He bader
w/out encl.
20 B. 2. rose (6) on 13838 and rose (1)
14 MAR 1934
B12 MAR 1934
5 B. Trade
M5974/34
fudo cary
17.4. 34.
te Admually
regarding desirability of regulations
for compulsary filting
shups of greeks,
developments
? love by
6 Admiralty
M1188/34
18.3. 14.
B. Trade
the subject.
? Cuvant furten letter from B/T
Je Bader
but rewic
a mouth's inne
"If nothing in by them
7. B/T (mm Dept) - I/59/14/34
25 April, 1934
Refers W. 7; suggests Love, of Hong Kong be informes of reasons
given why fitting of gilles & fuorie won of armed guards et not be compulsory.
(to the dom
The letter from the B.7. at (5) discusses the
purection of the compulsory filling of grilles at some
length, and
would two
Taises a
number of points. It
doubt, be valuable to the HK
Gout to have that letten.
I suggest therefore that (5) and (6) is sind
Short despatch (14/ (1)) basid
pering with
view of the Aft that it would be
tundesirable
the fitting of grilles
tothe Lovers W/e
paragraph 2
2 (7) and
ben provision
Ke Bades
27.4.306
quando compilary
I copy above to Admy
7 So H. Kong-
(1 Awra - W/c. enc. to 576)
8 MAY 196
1720 B.2.
20 Admny.
wye (8) w/%).
MAY 1934
tel. from
Memes this
requesti
for guards
Shanghae - Tents in
27. - 34
le s.o.C., æ
J. King,
apporwing
? Put by.
R Cowell
HE Bader
Jel. from
Butter fields
candilière
3.O.C., H.K.,
have declined
? Put by
112 Buder
Staking Menors
for the guards
14 Admiralty
concerning
15 Admiralty
propcard
Sko & Sons, flit,
purday protection
Cary tel
дах носи
? Put b.
c.mc., China, stating
23 alone.
regarding (14).
? Put by.
Mr Bader
Adonirally
17 admiralty cauf
Proceedings
of c.mc.
extracts
April - 3 may.
(Syd) H.E. Bude
(Signed) og Gent
amur alley (3)
Def (14)
enquires
comments
Swine & Son La
Ecommended
a/c was).
apparent from (sw) that
traft lette
to Messrs. John
were expected.
draft w/c(14).
In (16) the Wo
omission from para of of the draft
inumeri ateh
no f We should
Concerused
draft h/v.
Its Baser
2018/34.
I have passed dot. After desp.
latest comesf.
on the subject of the provision grilles! I think there in come
difference of opinion between Adro]
quation.
(TE.U. Seal (aamy.) (18 wurde) 40 22/8/347
Awds attracts from report of proceedings drving
may 1934
the Second enclosure it
Eccorded
Shipping companies
regulations
applicable
have Enquired whether anti-piracy drawn up by the Nanking
to Aritish shipping. The thong Yout have diglined
the point. ? RAF by B
Your minnk
20.8.34 &
The correspondence to which
is at (1), (2), (5), and (4)
You refer this file.
The position appears to be that the Achiralty
to (6)) conside that ships
(vide Ends
trading any where in
China Should
fitted with grilles i
opinion (a)
whilst the B.I. are that the issue in H.K. of
the Safety cents under the Internat : Convention for the Safety & life at lea
conditional
cannot be
the fitting of grillis
or the provision of armed Guards, (b) that
to allach
"conditions to the issue of
Hong Kong passenger certificates is why oper that it is doubtful
Toing passenger ships which
to objection:
Call at H.K. in
Mr Bader
23/8/34.
their vorfales
to fil quilles.
Adamalt,
the "peraci
2. Conf. copy lette, of 27 Ang/ 34, addressed to. John Surre & Sons, Lto concerning Shantien."
of the 5.5.
? Put by.
12. Bades
33744/34 Admally Repas is
ss Skandian" case
20. 9. 34.
1003, 10 63
? Put 4.
11 Bador
11/10/34
measures
23. Admiralty
Commedere
33794/34
Extract from
Proceedings of
3.12.34f
IVE Bader
FOTINE FOR
DISABLED
Any further communication should be addressed to-
The Secretary of the Admiralty,
London, S. W.1
M.5454/34
L.P.-No.
Admiralty, S.wh.
3rd December 1934
I am commanded by My Lords Commissioners
of the Admiralty to transmit for the information
of the Secretary of State for the Colonies an
extract, concerning anti-piracy measures, from a
report of proceedings of the Commodore, Hong Kong,
for the month of August 1934.
I am, Sir,
Your obedient Servant,
JS Barnes
The Under Secretary of State,
Colonial Office,
S. W. 1.
.H.K.960.
COMMODORE'S OFFICE
HONGKONG.
10th September 1934.
ANTI-PIRACY MEASURES.
6. Various amendments to the Hongkong Anti-Piracy
Patrol Orders have been issued during the month,
principally to bring merchant ships into close V/T touch
with the Patrol vessel. Service operators find some
difficulty in assimilating commercial procedure, but this
will come with practice.
Communication trials with Police launches have
been carried out, with indifferent success. With
practice, an improvement will undoubtedly take place.
The Radio Department, Hongkong General Post Office,
under Mr. F.A. Kemp, Traffic Superintendent, has been of
great assistance in this matter, and also in establishing
W/T contact with the Director of Piracy Suppression, in
Bias Bay. It is now possible to communicate with the
Director at least twice a day.
8. A simple code for reporting positions has been
issued but has not yet been tried out,
9. Eight patrols have been carried out during the
month, four by destroyers and four by submarines,
10. One Chinese gunboat has been sighted, the "Kwang
Kim, at anchor in Dumbell Bay.
I have the honour to be,
Your obedient Servant,
(sd.) Frank Elliott.
Commodore.
The Commander-in-Chief,
China Station,
H.M.S."Kent".
any further communication on this subject, please quote
No. F. 5513/275/10
and address—not to any person by name, but to-
"The Under-Secretary of State," Foreign Office, London, S.W. 1.
THE Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs presents his
compliments to The
the Colonies.
Suietany of since
and, by direction of the Secretary of State,
transmits herewith copies of the under-mentioned paper.J
Foreign Office,
20 se pr, 1934.
Reference to previous correspondence:
Name and Date.
11.M. Minister
Desparch Nos
Description of Enclosure.
Subject.
Anti-piracy
14-6130 10292 (2)
Similar letter sent to famig
(F 5570/275/10)
No. 1003 (17/68/1934)
His Majesty's Minister, Peking, presents his
compliments to His Majesty's Principal Secretary of State
for Foreign Affairs, and transmits herewith two copies of
the undermentioned paper
12th July, 1934.
Reference to previous correspondence:
Despatch to Foreign Office No. 763 of 2/6/1934.
Description of Enclosure.
Name and Late.
Despatch from H.M.Consul-
General, Canton,
No. 80 of 20/6/1934.
Copied to: C-in-C.
Subject.
Anti-Piracy measures.
ANTI-PIRACY CO-OPERATION
ITH CANTON AUTHORITIES: reports proceedings
of two conferences held at Consulate-General
(& 3 copies)
CONFIDENTIAL
Copies to:
Hong Kong No. 52
Sub-Legation No. 48
Commercial Counsellor No. 63 Trade Commr. Hong Kong No. 60
H. B. M. Consulate-General,
20th June, 1934.
With reference to my despatch No. 59 of the
10th May last, I have the honour to forward herewith the
Minutes of two meetings held on May 30th and June 14th
respectively at this Consulate-General under my
Chairmanship between Captain W.C. Benn, Senior Naval
Officer, West River, and myself on the one part and
Rear-Admiral Y.E. Liu, Naval Adviser to the 1st Army
Group and Colonel G.W. Leung, Adviser on Foreign Affairs,
and also at the second meeting Captain Lai of the Canton
Navy, on the other part to discuss co-operation in
anti-piracy measures.
Marshal Chen Chi T'ang, who was himself the
person who broached the idea, is apparently now prepared
to increase very considerably the number of troops
guarding the coast-line between Mirs Bay and Chi Lang
Point. He proposes to establish a Bureau with a
responsible Director in charge who will be a Colonel.
Four companies of troops, one hundred each, will be
The Honourable
Sir Alexander M.G. Cadogan, K.C.M.G., C.B.,
His Majesty's Minister,
British Legation,
PEKIN G.
drawn from the forces already in the East River District.
A secretary or adviser, who speaks English well, will also
be appointed. At least one gunboat will be stationed at
Ping Hoi. Moreover roads are to be constructed to connect
up all strategic points.
One of the questions asked was whether the
Chinese troops could cross our frontier and pursue pirates
who escape into British territory. Colonel Leung mentioned
that in the Mirs Bay area the Hong Kong Government possessed
very few guards. He also asked that Canton detectives
should be allowed to co-operate with the Hong Kong police
by pointing out the hiding-places of pirates who were
prone to use Hong Kong also as a headquarters.
The last conference which was held on June 14th
ended with an agreement that Admiral Y.E. Liu, Captain Lai
and Colonel Leung accompanied by an Air Force Officer and
a Wireless Officer should visit Hong Kong at an early date
for a trip up the coast in a Patrol Destroyer.
this date has not yet been arranged.
I have, etc.,
(Signed)
Herbert Phillips
Consul-General.
ENCLOSURE IN CANTON DESPATCH TO PEKING NO. 80 of 20th June,
CONF IDENTIAL.
ANTI-PIRACY
West River,
H.M.S. "Tarantula"
at Canton.
15th June,
CO-OPERATION WITH THE CHINESE
AUTHORITIES.
The second meeting was held at the British Consulate-
General to-day Thursday 14th June.
The following attended:-
Mr. Phillips H.B.M. Consul-General
Captain Benn
Admiral Liu
Captain Lai
Colonel Leung
Since the last meeting information has been received
asked for by you in connexion with anti-piracy, and this
information is already in your possession.
I was informed that
all places mentioned in paragraph 2 of the document concerned
(copy attached) are near Bias Bay.
Colonel Leung stated that Marshal Chan Chai Tong had
been informed of the suggestion put forward at the last meeting,
and had decided to bring into force the following scheme as
soon as possible: -
(a) A Military Officer of Colonel's rank to be
appointed as Director of Anti-piracy in the
Po On and Wai Yong Districts. These are
the districts around Bias Bay.
The Commodore,
Hong Kong.
(b) An Officer on his staff to be able to speak
English.
(a) Four Companies of soldiers, each 100 strong
to be stationed at the following places:-
Tam Shui
(2) Nin Shan
(3) Ping Hoi
Taipan (near Mir's Bay)
(d) Each Company to be equipped with W/T apparatus
so as to be in touch with Ping Hoi, and each
other, and the Chinese Gunboat.
Chinese Gunboat to patrol the coast
Coastguard force at Ping Hoi "to remain".
(g) Arrangements to be made for inter-communication
between British and Chinese.
A distinguishing flag or signal to be shown
by Chinese Military Posts on approach of our
Warships.
The duty of the Director will be to comb out the
area for pirates and to intercept and follow up any pirates
landing.
As the troops are now available it is hoped to
establish these new posts at an early date.
The building of roads is in contemplation
In time it is intended to extend the scheme as
far as Chi Lang point.
The following questions were asked and answers given;
(Q) Could our Destroyers transport Chinese Troops
in case of emergency.
(A) This could probably be done, but Destroyers
boats were unsuitable and the Chinese should
make arrangements to have boats available for
transporting troops from the shore to
/Destroyers.
Destroyers.
(Q) How could our Destroyer co-operate.
As soon as information was received a Destroyer
could probably proceed to the place at which
the pirates were landing.
It is possible that a quick following up of pirates
by troops might lead to some result.
Colonel Leung stated that they feared that pirates
were liable to come into our territory when being pursued by
their troops.
(a) If this occurred, could they follow into our
territory.
I gave no direct answer to this question, but
pointed out that it was a matter for our police to tackle
pirates once they had crossed into our territory, and Hong
Kong authorities must be consulted.
They asked to establish Detection Service
Hong Kong
Shanghai
To assist in detection of pirates at these
The Consul General pointed out that there was
already a close liaison between the police forces of Hong
Kong and Canton. Perhaps this matter could be brought to
the notice of the Hong Kong Police Authorities.
I asked if they had any Aircraft available for
this work. They said "No", but I don't think they really
knew. Anyhow they were asked to look into this matter, for
as I pointed out this was probably the quickest means of
meeting the pirates.
It was agreed that Chinese Officials should
be embarked in our ships from time to time to visit this
I informed Admiral Liu that we were ready to
embark him and other officials in a Patrol Destroyer at an
early date.
It is understood that this party will consist
Admiral Liu
Captain Lai
Colonel Leung
An Air Force officer
A Wireless Officer
The names to be forwarded as soon as possible,
and a convenient date arranged. I will inform you of the
date proposed.
(Signed) V.G. Benn
SENIOR NAVAL OFFICER,
WEST RIVER.
Enclosure in Canton despatch to S.N.O. West River of 9th June 1934.
HEADQUARTERS.
THE FIRST GROUP ARMY CORPS OF THE NATIONAL REVOLUTIONARY ARMY.
CANTON 8th June, 1934.
Memorandum
(a) What is the degree of lookout kept for pirates.
(1) Navy. At San Chow Gok and its neighbourhood, patrolling
is divided into different sections which are looked
after by our gunboats. At Bias Bay there is a Kwong Kum
gunboat for patrolling, which is in constant communication
with Ping Hoi wireless station.
What is the strength of the guard, if any, at Ping Hoi
and their ability to apprehend pirates.
At Ping Hoi there is a company of coast guards numbered
about 80 men. Their record: July 31, 1933 Yui Sun of
the China Merchant S. Co. was pirated at Nan Ou Shan.
On Aug. 3 these Ping Hoi guards caught two pirates and
recovered 3 men who had been carried away.
5 victims.
1932 Jan. Sun Ming of the China Mercantile Steamship
Co. was pirated near Swatow. These guards in the same
month caught 8 of the pirates at Ping Hoi and recovered
Later 1933 Sept. they caught the pirate chief
Chen Fook King in Po On District. 1933 aug. one of the
pirates who pirated Mi Sai Mi Steamship was caught at
Nim Shan by these guards.
1934 May the pirate chief Wong Fung Chun who pirated
Sun Cung Wah in 1933 May 26, was caught at Tai Chow
(a) What facilities exist at Fing Hoi for
communicating with Hong Kong.
(3) The navy has a wireless station at Ping Hoi
which can communicate with Hong Kong direct.
Enclosure in Canton despatch to Peking No. 80 of 20th June
CONFIDENTIAL.
West River,
"Tarantula"
at Canton
30th May, 1934.
ANTI-PIRACY CO-OPERATION ITH THE CHINESE
AUTHORITIES
In accordance with previous arrangements I met Rear-
Admiral Liu and Colonel Leung at the British Consulate-General
this morning, 30th May, and exchange ideas on the subject of
Anti-piracy co-operation, Mr. Phillips, Consul-General also
attended the meeting.
Captain Lai Ku Kow, Chief of Staff, had been detailed
as the other Chinese Naval Officer to meet me, but owing to
family bereavement he was unable to be present.
3. Colonel Leung first stated he thought this was a matter
which concerned experts, and that he would hold a watching brief.
Rear-Admiral Liu than asked me what my ideas were.
The following is a general text of my remarks:-
It was obvious that piracy on the China coast was a
most important matter for the Chinese authorities to deal with,
for so long as it existed it would lend force to the contention
of outsiders that China was unable to keep law and order.
5. I explained in general terms that we had, during the
last number of years, taken steps to combat piracy, by the
institution of patrols, placing guards on board ships,
construction of grilles and wireless communication etc.
Despite these and other measures, piracy, although less
than it was, still continued. Piracies were almost invariably
The Commodore,
Hong Kong.
of an internal type. Plans were obviously well laid
beforehand, but to be successful, the landing of hostages
and booty, and of course the pirates themselves had to
be ensured.
6. The prevention of these landings would probably
put an end to piracy altogether, and it was in this
particular sphere that the Chinese could be most helpful
in co-operation.
Pirates had frequently used the coast between
Bias Bay and Chilang Point on which to land, and therefore
this area and the hinterland was the one to concentrate on.
It was realised that the Nanking Government
were alive to the fact that measures must be taken for the
suppression of piracy and had issued regulations for the
capture of pirates and the protection of vessels, and the
Kwangtung Government had recently agreed to these
regulations.
I quoted from these regulations as follows:-
Article 2 states that the Coastguard service
under the Ministry of the Navy shall be responsible for
the capture of pirates and the protection of vessels so
far as water routes are concerned. As regards the land
and the islands and the waters adjacent thereto, the
Water and Land Police belonging to the Police organs of
the Civil provinces along the coast shall be responsible
under the superintendence of the Ministry of the Interior,
and shall, as the occasion may arise, report to the
Ministry of the Interior.
Article 3 states that in all waters where piracy
has previously occurred, the coastguard shall despatch a
Article 4, that warships shall co-operate and
assist to the fullest extent.
9. In spite of these regulations piracies continue, and
in some cases pirates have landed in close proximity to the
shore guards. It was felt, therefore, that the present
arrangements were insufficient and that something much more
detailed and drastic was necessary to fix responsibility, and
not until considerable tightening up was effected on the
shore-side would anything be achieved, as the final line of
retreat of the pirate was left practically open.
10. I suggested that they should look back to the method
adopted on the West River, which to a very large extent
stopped piracy on the river and delta. The method there
adopted was for the magistrate of the district to co-opt all
the head men and the elders of the villages and make them
responsible that no piratical acts were committed by people
in their villages and also that a careful census should be
taken so as to make them quickly aware of the fact that
bandits or pirates were probably in the village.
means certain villages were gradually marked down and in due
course operations were carried out against them by Chinese
troops in co-operation with our Gunboats. By these means
many pirates were killed and captured. In one case the
magistrate himself disappeared and in other cases one or two
of the head men found things so unhealthy that they also
disappeared.
I mentioned that only last year Marshal Chan Chai
Tong in conversation with Sir Miles Lampson had stated that
the way to eliminate pirates was to burn their villages.
12. If the Marshal could be persuaded to put into
operation some such scheme as outlined in paragraph 10 and
would issue an evict that failure in any district would be
met with severe punishment, such as the burning of the
/villages
villages or the junks concerned, then it is felt that some
step forward could really be made.
The fact that pirates had only once been taken by
shore forces pointed to considerable weakness in the operation
of these forces. It was pointed out that the stationing of
guards in certain fixed places was useless and that it would
be necessary to move them to points about the coast from time
to time.
Communications. The importance of these was emphasised.
Rear-Admiral Liu pointed out that in a scheme he produced four
years ago, he had put forward the idea of building roads and
wireless sub-stations to be in touch with Ping Hoi.
15. Patrols. He wished to institute patrols by motor
launches along the coast. These craft would have to be built.
At present there is one Coastguard cruiser on the coast, she
is old and has little speed.
None of these proposals made by Rear-Admiral Lin had
been carried out.
Rear-Admiral Liu and Colonel Leung have promised to
put forward the scheme of supervision of the villages of the
district and appear anxious to have it carried out. Marshal
Chan Chai Tong has made the first move in requesting that we
should co-operate in anti-piracy measures, so it is felt that
if we can keep them to it, they must now do something to save
Anti-piracy history on the river has generally shewn
that it was necessary for us to be there to see that things were
carried out or else nothing was done and I consider that our
co-operation with the Chinese can most profitably take place
by watching them and keeping them up to the mark.
19. The following further recommendations were made:
(a) Details of "ireless inter-communication to be
reorganised.
Frequent visits to bays which pirates are likely
Inter-communication with local guards, we having
been previously informed where they are.
Communication with the Chinese Gunboat
Chinese officials in uniform to be carried in our
ships and landed in certain places from time to
time. This method was used on the river with
success and produced a good effect ashore, as it
made them realise that they were being watched
by someone in authority.
I told Rear-Admiral Liu that after our next meeting,
I could probably arrange for him and Captain Lai Ku Kow to be
taken up the coast in a patrol destroyer with a view to
arranging details.
No ideas for co-operation were put forward by either
Rear-Admiral Liu or Colonel Leung.
(Signed) W.G. Benn
CAP TA IN
SENIOR NAVAL OFFICER
WEST RIVER.
1063 (24/68/1934)
His Majesty's Minister, Peking, presents his compliments
to His Majesty's Principal Secretary of
Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs,
and transmits herewith
cop ies of the undermentioned
(Peitaiho)
27th July
Reference to previous correspondence:
Despatch to Foreign Office Printed Letter Ilo. 1003 of 12.7.54.
Description of Enclosure
Name and Date.
Despatch from Governor
Hong Kong No.24 of
15.7.1934.
Subject.
Anti-Piracy licasures.
Copy to:- Commander-in-Chief,
Sub-Legation,
Commercial Counsellor.
CORZIDENTTAL.
GOY RIMMIKIT HOUSE,
18th July 1934.
The Governor, Hong Kong, presente his
compliments to Kis Britannis Majesty's Minister,
Pcking, and has the honour to forward for his
information copy of a letter dated the 13th July
1934, addressed to His Britannic Majesty's Conmil-
General, Canton, on the subject of anti-piracy
co-operation with the Canton authorities.
His Britannio Majesty's Minister,
CONFIDENTIAL.
13th July 1954.
Copy to Peking (24)
Copy to Commodore-in-Charge, Hong Kong.
With reference to your third personal note No.
59 of 20th Juno, 1934, forwarding a copy of your Confidential
despatch to Peking No.80 of the same date on the subject of
anti-piracy co-operation with the Canton authorities I havO
the honour to inform you that there are obvious objections
to the proposal mentioned in the third paragrath of your
despatch, namely, that Chinese troops should be permitted to
enter British territory in pursuit of pirates. The arrange-
ments in forac which provide for co-operation and ezolvange of
infomation between the Chinese local authorities and the
Hong Kong Police Department have worked quite satisfactorily
in the past, and there is no reason to anticipate that any
difficulty will occur in the future »
Vith regard to the second part of the paragraph
in question, Canton detectives have from time to time assisted
the liong Kong Police in tracing and identifying criminals ship
have taken refuge in the Colony, and, should occasion arine,
similar arrangements for co-operation will no doubt be made.
I have the honour to be,
Your most obedient Servant.
(BIGD) 7. P.
Governor, sta.
His Britanic Majesty's Consul-General,
With the compliments of the
Secretary of the Admiralty.
CONFIDENTIAL.
Admiralty.
27th August, 19 34
Admiralty Ref. No. M.02222/34.
Your Ref.x_Mr. Cowell's letter 33755/
34 of 22nd August.
The Under Secretary of State,
Colonial Office,
Copies to: Foreign Office (Ref.Kr.Crde's letter .4757/275/10 of 10 g)
Colonial Office (Rof."r.Cowell's 33755,34 of 2ind aug.
ar Office (Ref. ur office letter 083/5915.1) of 30 July) B.of 7. ref.r.Furke's
0.in 0. China)enclosing lettor E.9159/34 QUMSInici Commodore Hong letter 1754
of 21 al.
1.02222/34.
27th August,
Gentlemen,
With reference to your letter of the 19th June,
concerning the "piracy" of the .s." huntion", I am commanded by My Lords Commissioners of the admiralty to inform you that
They have given cureful consideration, in conjunction with tho
other Departments concerned, to the question raised in your
letter of the provision of navul or military guards for British vessels trading between Shanghai and Korthern Chinese ports.
Lɛ you are aware, E.. Government dooided in 1929 that the military guards placed on British shije permanently trading on the South Chine count could only be continued for
a limited period until the 31st March 1930 when the chipping
companies would have had time to make other arrangements.
The supply of guards was, howovor, extended for a further
limited period, on certain conditions, one of which was that the full cost (instead of the extra cost only) of the guards should be paid by the shipping companies, and military guards ultimately omuned to be supplied in august 1930, by which tire an armed force under the control of the long kong police had been organized and made available at Hong kong, the cost of which is borne by the shipping companies.
3. In 1931, an action was brought in the High Court of Justice by the China Navigation Company, elaining that the Crown had no right to exact payments for the provision of
military guards, but the notion was dismissed and the dimissal
was uphold by the Court of appeul.
4. The view of the admiralty has been and still is
that a proper system of rilles, coupled with the use of armed
/ police
Messrs. John Jiro & Jons Ltd.,
illiter Square,
police guards, is an adequate protection a sinet "internal piracy" and that the use of naval or military tards, which an only be provided at the expense of much inconvenienos to naval or military arrangements, is not therefore called for, exoept ponsibly as a purely temporary measure to meet an ergonoy, emergency. The provision of an armed police force, which ly Lords
understand has worked satisfactorily in ships trading in south China waters, ie also very much more economical.
5. In these circumstances, anquiries have been initiated
locally as to the possibility of the establishment of a force
at Shanghai under the control of the Shanghai Kunicipal folios on the lines of the force at Bong kong, and assuming, a thers
is no reason to suppose is not the case, that there is no
inherent difficulty in making these or similar arrangements, Ky Larvis consider this, with the provisionsf grilles, as necessary,
to be the proper solution of the question,
6. I am further to remind you that the view of H.. Government has been that it is the responsibility of the shipping companies themselves to take the necessary precautione against "internal pirway", 1.e., disturbances arising on board their ships, though as in the past, H.. hipe will always be ready to render such assistance as may be in their power, consistently with their other duties, in quelling such disturbances, The cost of any such precautions must therefore full upon the companies.
7. By Lords understand that, as a temporary mousure, an offer has been mule to supply mards from the garrison at Shanghai for British ship from hanghai to Tientsin. office, however, can only agree to this arrangement for a strictly limited time until other arrangements can be made by the comanies and on the condition that the full cost of the
guard is recovered from them.
inally, on the subject of rilles, i am to observe
that, as far back as July and a ust, 193), after the "Nanchang"
affair, the British Consul General at Changhai, at the instance
of the Haval Comander-in-Chief, approached the loosl
representatives of British shipping companies, including your
with the suggestion that grilles should be fitted to ships trading anywhere on the China ooust, but the reply was that the expense would not be justified and it is noted the
"huntim" wes not so fitted.
My Lords hope that you will
give further consideration to this question.
Gentlemen,
Your obedient Servant,
4 8. BARNES.
801 - NATION
DISABLED
Any further communication
should be addressed to--
The Secretary of the Admiralty,
London, S.W.1
quoting "M. 3720/34 »
L.P.—No. 833
Admiralty, S.W.1.
21st August, 1934.
CONFIDENTIAL
I am commanded by My Lords Commissioners
of the Admiralty to transmit, for the information of
the Secretary of State for the Colonies, extracts
from a report of proceedings of the Commodore, Hong
Kong, during the month of May, 1934.
I am, Sir,
Your obedient Servant,
JS. Burne
The Under Secretary of State,
Colonial Office,
THE COMMODORE, HONG KONG'S LETTER OF PROCEEDINGS FOR THE MONTH OF MAY, 1934.
(The Commodore, Hong Kong's No.H.K.960/1 of
11th June, 1934).
No.1058/2336.
THE SECRETARY OF THE ADMIRALTY.
(Copy to:-~ The Commodore, Hong Kong.)
Lordships.
Forwarded for the information of Their
2. With reference to the failure of the S.S. KANCHOW to communicate on her arrival at Swatow, referred to in paragraph 3 of Minute I, His Britannic Majesty's Consul-General at Shanghai has, at my request, recently called the attention of the Shanghai agents of the British shipping companies to the slackness of their vessels in complying with the instructions laid down in the anti-piracy W/T communication scheme, and it is hoped that this will result in a considerable improvement.
3. The failure of the "Norviken" to communicate, which is referred to in the same paragraph, is of particular interest, since this ship was recently pirated, with British passengers on board. It is very regrettable that British shipping companies find it necessary to charter these Norwegian vessels. The owners have, up to the present, refused to allow these ships to carry guards and it now appears that they make little effort to obtain such security as is afforded by the W/T communication scheme.
British subjects run considerable risk in travelling as passengers in these vessels a fact of which they well may be ignorant when booking their passage with a British company. Following personal dis- cussions between H.M.Minister and myself, the Minister has now requested His Britannic Majesty's Consul-General at Shanghai to reopen the question of the provision of guards with the shipping companies concerned.
(agd.) FRED. C. DREYER
ADMIRAL COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF.
H.M.S. "SUFFOLK" at Weinaiwei.
2nd July, 1934.
No.h.K.960/1.
COMMODORE'S OFFICE,
HONGKONG.
11th June 1934.
ANTI-PIRACY REPORT.
Eight patrols were carried out during the
month, destroyers being employed in all cases.
The following incidents of interest occurred:
4th May.
5th May.
7th May.
7th May.
29th May,
31st May.
Chinese (coastal) steamer "TAI YI"
pirated off Swatow and taken to Bias Bay. No specific information can be obtained of this matter. H.M.S. "WISHART" was on patrol at the time and saw nothing of her.
S.S."KWANGCHOW" with bullion on board
was shadowed by the anti-piracy destroyer.
S.S."TANDA" reported suspicious passengers
on board on leaving Hong Kong. She was directed to communicate, and the anti- piracy destroyer was ordered to look out for her. (She does not normally report her position). It afterwards transpired that the passengers had embarked without paying any fares, and that they were otherwise harmless.
S.S."KANCHOW" did not communicate arrival
at Swatow, and the anti-piracy destroyer was ordered to look out for her off Chilang. It was afterwards discovered she was at anchor off STEEP ISLAND in a dense fog. Masters of ships have been asked to assist by reporting unusual occurrences of this nature.
8.S."NOKVIKEN" failed to communicate on
both these days. Masters of other ships have little confidence in these Norwegian chartered vessels from a W/T point of view. They carry no W/T operators as such, and one of the officers has to act as operator. It is understood, however, that these ships carry one more officer than British ships of the same class.
Atmospherics/
THE COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF,
CHINA STATION.
Atmospherics have been very bad during the
month, and have also helped to make */T communication
difficult.
5. Proposals for improving the co-operation in
anti-piracy work with the hong kong Police Launches are
being put forward separately.
6. One or two shipping companies have inquired
whether the "kegulations for the Capture of Pirates and
Protection of vessels" drawn up by the Banking Government
are applicable to British shipping. The Hong Kong
Government state "they are not in a position to Bay
whether these regulations will affect British shipping."
7. No Chinese gunboats were sighted during the
month by anti-piracy vessels.
I have the honour to be,
Your obedient servant,
(Sgd). Frank Elliott,
Commodore.
NATIONAL
DISABLED
CONFIDENTIAL.
L/P. No.
Any further communication
should be addressed to-
The Secretary of the Admiralty,
Admiralty, S.W.
London, S.W.1
30th July,
quoting “M.01908/34
I am commanded by My Lords Commissioners
of the Admiralty to transmit for the information
of the Secretary of State for the Colonies
extracts from a report of proceedings of the
Commander-in-Chief, China Station, covering the
period 1st April to 3rd May, 1934.
The Under Secretary of State,
Colonial Office,
I am, Sir,
Your obedient Servant,
S. Barnes
CONFIDENTIAL.
No. 738/2301.
EXTRACTS FROM
REPORT OF PROCEEDINGS OF THE COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF, CHINA, DATED 7TH MAY, 1934, COVERING THE PERIOD 1ST APRIL TO 3RD MAY. 1934.
REMARKS OF THE COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF.
The piracy on 13th March, 1934, off the Fukien Coast, of the Norwegian ship NORVIKEN while she was under char- ter to a British firm (Messrs. Jardine Matheson), raises an interesting point on the question of the antipiracy measures provided. British ships carrying Chinese passengers are all provided with grilles and a guard of from 6 to 8 men. The NORVIKEN, however, had no guards and only a defective grille which was made completely ineffective owing to the gates in the grille being unlocked and unwatched. It now transpires that Messrs Jardine Matheson have done their utmost to have guards provided for this ship, but have been prevented by the Norwegian authorities, who state that the Norwegian Government consider that guards alter the peaceful status of a merchant ship and cannot be allowed in a Norwegian ship. I propose to take this question up with this and possibly other British shipping firms on my arrival at Shanghai, and, if necessary, with the Minister. The situation will require careful handling as it is understood that vessels suitable for the Chinese passenger carrying trade are not easily found. On the other hand, the British would-be passenger when booking his passage with a British firm is unaware that different conditions and regulations may apply in the various ships which are being run by that firm, and in consequence may well embark under a false sense of security.
In connection with anti-piracy measures the Mayor of Canton, when lunching with me on board the SUFFOLK at Hong Kong on 19th April expresed a keen desire to co-operate more fully with the British Navy in the suppression of piracy and stated that the Cantonese General, Marshal Chan Chai Tong, had detailed two naval officers to confer with Captain Benn (Senior Naval Officer, West River), subject to my approval, with a view to improving the existing co-operation. As we have nominally at any rate, been co-operating with the local Chinese forces in anti-piracy measures for years past, I considered this was a perfectly proper request and I directed the Commodore, Hong Kong, to forward proposals accordingly.
FRED. C. DREYER.
ADMIRAL.
COMMANDER -IN-CHIEF.
54685 W2380a/1064 10m(4) 12/25 J.P.2401 Gp.121 26/Ptg./670 J.259
Any further communication on this subject should be addressed to :-
The Under-Secretary of State,
The War Office,
London, S.W. 1,
and the following number quoted.
083/5915.(M.0.1.)
Form No. 3.
THE WAR OFFICE
LONDON, S.W.1.
The Under-Secretary of State for War presents his compliments to Under Secretary of State
and is commanded by the Army Council to transmit for
the information of Secretary Sir Philip
Cunliffe-Lister
a copy of the document noted in the subjoined schedule
on the subject of Frovision of guards for British Vessels trading on the North China routes.
34. ar Office
Description
Secret letter addressed
to the secretary of
the Admiralty d/-
Under Secretary of state.
Colonial Office,
085/5015.(.0.1.)
I am commanded by the Army Council to acknowledge receipt of Admiralty letter no.5.01754/34 dated 19th July, 1934, on the subject of the provision of naval or military guards for critish vessels, and forwarding a copy of a letter which the Lorda Commissioners of the dmiralty propose to send to Mesare John wire long, itd.
2. I am to state, for the information of their Lordships, that the coursil are of opinion that the shipping companies should pay the full cost of the guards for the following reusons -
a) In keroh, 1930, the Cabinet laid down the financial conditions on whinh guards were to be provided; the anipping companies appealed in the ligh Court of Justice age inst this decision but lost their case in april, 1932.
(b) sxperience has shown that as long as the
shipping companies can get the guards an an 'extra cost" basis, they will not take the requisko measures for their own defence in accordance with the advice of the commander- in-chief, chirm
I am to add that the vounoil are in general a_reement with the draft letter to .eeers John wire and Sons, Ltd, but, in view of paragraph 2 above, su cest that the last sentence or paragraph 7, dealing with the temporary arrangement prior to lat April, 1930, might be omitted.
The Secretary of the admiralty,
hitehall, *. .1.
Copies of this latter have been sent to the Foreign Office, Colonial office and Board of Trade.
Your obedient Servant,
(Signed) H. J. Creedy
NATIONAL
FOR DISP
Any further communication
should be addressed to-
The Secretary of the Admiralty,
Admiralty, S.W.1
London, S.W.1
20th July.
23 JUL 1934
C. O. REGY
esents his
The Secretary of the Admiralty
compliments to
the Under Secretary of State, Colonial Office,
and begs to transmit herewith copy of the under mentioned
From xbox whom
Date and Number
C. in C. China.
Tel. timed 1533/18.
This letter has been sent to:
Forein office. War Office. Colonial Office. Board of Trade.
M9162/7196 3.34 300pds 200fms CT&CoLtd Gp605/1.
MESSAGE.
From d. in J. Chinu.
cypher 2.G.().
Addressed dmiralty and doneul onatal hanghai.
his messayo hus Jen
RECEIVED:-
DATE 19.7.04.
TIME 21.
ur illumbi on.
China 76? from ommodore Fong
My 713 paragraph - reply receivou from military authorities
thab prulinin ry enquires show that few if my of Indian
PAPELBON Re Tune Cong would be
ored to volunteer for
burviod us arned ruarus in 11
o... rutiny in torthori
1055/15.
With the compliments of the
Secretary of the Admiralty.
RECEIVED
23 JUL 1934
Admiralty.
19th July19 34
M.01754/34.
Admiralty Ref. No.
Your Ref. No.
The Under Secretary of State,
Colonial Office,
S. W. 1.
M.01754/34.
19th July
With reference to your letter of the
22nd June, No.083/5915(M.^.1), forwarding a copy of a
letter from Messrs. John Swire & Sons, Ltd., concerning
the piracy of the s.8. SHUNTIAN, I am commanded by My
Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty to acquaint you,
for the information of the Army Council, that They have
received a similar letter from the company requesting
the provision of naval or military guards for British
vessels trading between Shanghai and Tientsin, and to
transmit herewith for such observations as the Army
Council may desire to offer a draft of a letter which it
is proposed to send to the company in reply.
As regards paragraph 7 of the proposed
reply, I am to state that My Lords feel some doubt as to
whether the decision to charge the full cost of the guard
instead of merely out of pocket expenses only would be
justified if the arrangement is to be regarded as merely
a temporary one on the lines of the arrangement before
the 1st April 1930. They would be glad, however, to have
the views of the Army Council on this point.
Copies of various telegrams which have
been received concerning the provision of guarda are also
enclosed for your information.
The Under Secretary of State,
War Office,
S. V. 1.
Copies of this letter and the
proposed reply to Messrs. John Swire & Sons, Ltd.,
together with copies of the telegrams have been sent
to the Foreign Office, Colonial Office and Board of
I am, Sir,
Your obedient Servant,
M.01754/34.
Gentlemen,
July 1934.
With reference to your letter of the
19th June, concerning the "piracy of the 8.8. SMUNTIEN
I am commanded by My Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty
to inform you that They have given careful consideration,
in conjunction with the other Departments concerned, to
the question raised in your letter of the provision of
naval or military guards for British vessels trading
between Shanghai and Northern Chinese ports.
As you are aware, H.M. Government
decided in 1929 that thẻ military guards placed on
British ships permanently trading on the South China
coast could only be continued for a limited period until
the 31st March 1930 when the shipping companies would
have had time to make other arrangements. The supply
of guards was, however, extended for a further limited
period, on certain conditions, one of which was that
the full cost (instead of the extra cost only) of the
guards should be paid by the shipping companies, and
military guards ultimately ceased to be supplied in
August 1930, by which time an armed force under the
control of the Hong Kong police had been organised and
made available at Hong Kong, the cost of which is borne
by the shipping companies.
Messrs. John Swire & Sons, Ltô,,
8 Billiter Square,
E. C. 3.
3.........
In 1931, an action was brought in the
High Court of Justice by the Chine Navigation Company, claiming that the Crown had no right to exact payments
for the provision of military guards, but the action
was dismissed and the dismissal was upheld by the Court
of Appeal.
The view of the Admiralty has been
and still is that a proper system of grilles, coupled
with the use of armed police guards, is an adequate
protection against "internal piracy" and that the use
of naval or military guards, which can only be provided
at the expense of much inconvenience to naval or
military arrangements, is not therefore called for,
except possibly as a purely temporary measure to meet
an emergency. The provision of an armed police force,
which My Lords understand has worked satisfactorily in
ships trading in South China waters, is also very much
more economical.
In these circumstances, enquiries
have been initiated locally as to the possibility of
the establishment of a force at Shanghai under the
control of the Shanghai Municipal Police on the lines
of the force at Hong Kong, and assuming, as there is no
reason to suppose is not the case, that there is no
inherent difficulty in making such arrangements, My
Lords consider this, with the provision of grilles as
necessary, to be the proper solution of the question.
ho. Inggeri
6. I am further to remind you that the
view of H.M. Government has been that it is the
responsibility of the shipping companies themselves to
take the necessary precautions against "internal piracy",
1.e., disturbances arising on board their ships, though
as in the past, H.M. Ships will always be ready to
render such assistance as may be in their power,
consistently with their other duties, in quelling such
disturbances. The cost of any such precautions must
therefore fall upon the companies.
7. My Lords understand that, as a
temporary measure, an offer has been made to supply
guards from the garrison at Shanghai for British ships
from Shanghai to Tientsin. The War Office, however,
can only agree to this arrangement for a strictly
limited time until other arrangements can be made by
the companies and on the condition that the full cost
of the guard is recovered from them. [It is realised
that, prior to the 1st April 1930, guards were provided
for ships trading to South China under conditions which
included the repayment of "out of pocket" expenses only,
but this was entirely an emergency arrangement.]
8. Finally, on the subject of grilles,
I am to observe that, as far back as July and August
1933, after the NANCHANG affair, the British Consul
General at Shanghai, at the instance of the Naval
Commander.
Commander-in-Chief, approached the local
representatives of British shipping companies,
including your own, with the suggestion that grilles
should be fitted to ships trading anywhere on the China
coast, but the reply was that the cxpense would not be
justified and it is noted the SHUNTIEN was not so
fitted. My Lords hope that you will give further
consideration to this question.
JOHN SWIFE & SONS LTD.
8 Billiter Square,
19th June 1934.
The piracy of our 8.8. "Shuntien"
in the Gulf of Pechili is a new and very serious
extension of the pirate menace to British shipping,
which has hitherto been centred in South China.
Although we realise the difficulties presented by the
present political conditions in China, it is a matter
of great urgency that all possible stepa should be
taken to protect British shipping in Chinese waters
against the growing threat of piracy, under the menace
of which they are now trading.
To deal with the immediate situation,
our Shanghai house have wired us that they consider it
is a "vital necessity" for the vessels running in the
Shanghai/Tsingtao"Chefoo/Wei-hai-Wei/Tientsin service
to have naval or military guards.
We support their
urgent request and ask that arrangements should be made
for guards to be provided.
We are, Sir,
Your obedient servanta,
The Permanent Secretary,
The Admiralty,
Whitehall
(Sd.) John Swire & Sons Ltd.,
Mənagers,
China Navigation Company Ltd.
S. W. 1.
COPY OF MESSAGE
FROM C.in C. China.
25.6.34.
TIME 1839.
ADDRESSED Admiralty, Commodore in Charge, Hong Kong.
699. Consul General Shanghai
telegram 1635 21st June to British Minister and
British Minister's 2336 and 2338 34th June to 0.0.c.
It is important that the navy should not repetition
not be partly immobilised by having to provide guards
for British ocean-going steamships during (? such)
periods as may be required to train and organise the
police-trained guards for (7 ship) trading north of
Shanghai.
In any case unless grilles are
provided only (? partial) protection is afforded by
the guards. Present situation has arisen out of the
neglect of shipping firms to provide grilles and guards
as recommended (? by) C. in C. China.
Consideration
should be given to possibility of shipping firms also
controlling passenger traffic by requiring banker's or
other adequate guarantee.
In connection with Butterfield and
Swire's request for guards it is observed that Jardine,
Matheson are deliberately chartering Norwegian ships
for Shanghai Hong Kong run in which guards cannot be
carried (? because of) objections Norwegian owners.
1910/25.
COPY OF MESSAGE.
FROM Stone cutters W/T station.
25.6.34.
RECD. 1736.
ADDRESSED
This message has been repeated for
information to Admiralty addressed 0.0.C. British
Troops China 4, repeated British legation, Peking
146, from British Minister at Wei Hai Wel.
My telegram No.145 to Peking it
would be of great assistance if you could arrange
supply guards as a temporary measure.
2338/24.
COPY OF MESSAGE
FROM Stone cutters T Station.
DATE 25.6.34.
RECD, 1758,
ADDRESSED This message has been repeated for information
to Admiralty. Addressed British Legation Peking 145,
repeated Commander in Chief, G.0.C. British Troops,
China 3, Commodore Hong Kong from British Minister at
Wei Hai Wel.
Shanghai telegram No.50 I have discussed this question
with Commander in Chief who adheres to the opinion
expressed last year that vessels should have both
grilles and guards but in accordance with the arrange-
ments made in July 1930 companies must pay for the
guards. You will remember that the High Court ruled
in May 1931 that the Government could not be made to
bear (? expense).
Since 1930 companies on the southern route have
obtained at their own expense special armed police
trained at Hong Kong police headquarters. Commander
in Chief considers and I concur that shipping companies
should be warned that they should fit grilles and ship
guards but that this must be at their own expense.
General Officer Commanding is being asked whether he
could provide guards as a temporary measure but only
permanent solution would appear to be for Shanghai
municipal police to organise special force as in Hong
Please instruct H.M. Consul General at Shanghai to
address warning to companies and to enquire about
organisation of special force.
Commander in Chief has seen this telegram and concurs.
8336/24.
COPY OF MESSAGE,
FROM C. in C., China.
ADDRESSED Admiralty.
Immediate.
22.6.34.
TIME 1125.
687. My 685 and Commadore i/c
Hong Kong 0703 22nd June guards referred to by
Condre. 1/c Hong Kong are supplied on repayment
(by) request of shipping companies. Ships
operating north of Shanghai are not repetition not
supplied with guards but subject to views of
shipping companies and Shanghai Municipal Police I
anticipate no difficulty (7 proviðing) and training
similar suitable personnel at (7 Shanghai).
propose asking British Minister who arrives Wei Hai
Wei tomorrow 23rd June to initiate enquiries
accordingly.
1402/22.
COPY OF MESSAGE.
FROM 0. in C. China.
DATE 22.6.34.
TIME 1100.
ADDRESSED Admiralty, repeated Commodore, Hong Kong.
Immediate.
685. Your 1417 21st June I am
consulting Care. in Charge Hong Kong.
Meanwhile
advance information is that armed police guards
are provided on repayment at Hong Kong.
COPY OF MESSAGE.
FROM G. in C., China.
22.6.34.
Immediate.
Following message is repeated to Admiralty for
information.
Addressed C. in C., China, from
Commodore, Hong Kong.
Your 0159 guard-a North Chinese led
by Russians are trained and supplied to ships of
Chinese Merchants and Indo China Steam Navigation
Company by Hong Kong Police. Indian guards are
similarly supplied to British India (? Steam
Navigation Company). A roster of Indian watchmen is
kept by Hong Kong Police for all purposes and other
steamship companies draw their guards from this source.
Watchmen have facilities for occasional training at
Hong Kong Police Headquarters.
It is not known if ships operating
North of Shanghai are supplied with guards but
doubtless Shanghai Municipal Police could make
arrangements as at Hong Kong.
0703/22.
COPY OF TELEGRAM.
FROM Admiralty.
C. in C. China 429.
DATE 21.6.34.
Commodore Hong Kong 524.
ADDRESSED C. in C. China repeated Commodore Hong Kong
from Admiralty.
IMMEDIATE
Your 667.
Question of armed guarde
is being raised by Parliamentary question and by
request from China Navigation Company.
Admiralty presume that arrangements
nade in 1930 whereby companies can obtain armed
police guards at Hong Kong on repayment are still
Please confirg imaediately.
effective.
You should
also report as soon as possible whether these or
similar guarda are or could be made available for
British vessels trading in Northern Chinese Watera.
1417/21.
M5865/6868 8.33 1000pds 200fms CT&Co Ltd Gp605/1
MESSAGE.
From C. in C. China.
DATE 12.7.34.
RECD.1734.
Addressed British Minister, Peking repeated Consul General
Shanghai xair Admiralty.
751. Following received from G.0.C. begins
C. in C. from G.0.0 Shanghai area report
butterfield do not require further guards owing
to financial conditions laid down by ar Office.
Offer to supply guards under the se conditions
remains open 1246/11 ends.
1st lord.
1st S. L.
D.C.N.S.
P.A.S. (S)
D.O.D.2.
D. of P.
1020/12.
M5865/6868 8.33 1000pds 200fms CT&Co Ltd Gp605/1
MESSAGE.
DATE 7.6.54.
Addressed
Fordim Office R. Cole,
RECD. 1916.
Admiralty rap sated Pitish Vink tor Peking, G.0.0.
British Troops China, Commodore in charpe Hong
General Shanghul, @ritish Legation Pezing
702. addressed škiralty 702 repostoa ritish iinister
Poking 0.9.C. Can odore Hong Zong Shanghai.
British Binister's Telegram Zöɔ6 24th June. Com od apa
Hong Kong rupurta that no trained guards are available at
Hong Kong surplus to ruçuiremente († for) ships oerating
in Boathorm aros but palice estimate they could obtainab
35 (? sikha) and "phasmod ana ex-foldiers or ex-polica mon
at prosent (7 mainly) residing in canton or Macao of whom
about 12 (7 old be) ( guaranteoù) suit able as guards at
dollara forty a month which is understood to be normal
at Shanghai.
Military athorities at dong Kong are being
anked ro possibility of any saldiere Royal Artillery
obtaining discharge ubject to guarantee of employment as
EX guarde. No unemployed (1 kus () or northern ohinoge
are allowed in Hong Kong. I propose to defor († action)
penting result of onquiries by Conanl General -hangha
rofurr a to in Sinisteru telegrad quotaa.
1st Lure.
1856/27.
M5865/6868 8.33 1000pds 200fms CT&CoLtd Gp605/1
MESSAGE.
From Stonecutters W/T Station
Fæ eign Office "R" Code
RECD. 19 01
Addressed_
Admiralty
This message has been repeated for information to
Addressed C in C China From Consul General Shanghai
Addressed Peking Tel No 50 repeated Commander in Chief
(? copy) to (? GOC) and Missiong;
Butteffield and Swire have asked to me transmit
to your by telegraph their formal application for provision
of naval guard on their liners on Shanghai HUNK Tientsín
run They point out that the se ships carry la rger number
of British Nationals with a high percentage of women and children
and they stress necessity, under present lawless conditions,
of adequate (? protection) being afforded by British Authorites
at Government expense; Furthermore they state that incidents
of piratical attacks on British shipping is engendering lack
of confidence and unfavourable comparison with ships of other
nations resulting in loss of trade and business;
2 In view of previous history of naval guard I questi on
which is TIDI well known to legation I transmit (?this) without
comment; Tel: 050 of the 21st Mr Brenan (ends)
1st Lord
PAS(S) DUD 2
1635/21,21
EN CLAIR
G.0.C., Hong Kong.
The War Office.
A.4.2377 (on olair) 14/7.
Despd.1000 14/7/34. Recd. 1000 16/7/34.
Your 1705 M.0.1. of 29/6. Butterfields
have declined further guards under oonditions laid down,
Have informed them offer remains open if they should
reconsider.
C.4. (Tole grams) Copies to:- ARMY COUNCIL, D.M.O.& I. D.D.M.O.& 1. M.0.1.1a.2.28. M.I.1.2.2b.20. D.R.0. A.G.1. D.P.S. A.G.3. D.F. (A) (B) (C) F.1.2.3. S.of S.for Foreign Affairs, F.O.(Mr.Orde) First Lord of Admiralty, Sir Ernle Chatfield, Ad. (D.N.I.) Ad.(D.O.D.) Ad. (D.of P.) S. of S. for Air, Seo.(Air Ministry) C.A.S.(Air Ministry) D.C.A.S. (Air Ministry) D.D.O.I.(Air Ministry) S. of S.for Colonies
(Colonial Office) Sir J.E. Shuckburgh (Colonial Office) Jelonial Office (Eastern Dept.).
O O D E.
Desp. 29/6/34.
The War Office.
G.O.C., Hong Kong
1705 (Code) M.0.1. 29/6.
Reference your 0/1496 of 25/6. You are authorized
supply suggested guards at your discretion subject to recovery
or full cost from the Shipping Companies on the basis laid
down in this Offioc telegram number 8261 (code) F.l. dated
21st March 1930 except that the daily rates to cover non-
effective charges should be at the following now rates:
5s. 9d. per officer, ls. for cach re-engaged soldier (including
warrant officers), lld. for each soldier extended but not
re-engaged, and 4d, for each short service soldier. These
rates are now inclusive of disability pension element referred
to in last sentence of above quoted telegram but not for
medical or hospital treatment or pay and maintenance during
disability.
C.4. (Telegrams) Copics to -
ARMY COUNCIL, D.M.C. & I., D.D.iko. & I.
M.0.1.la.2.2a. M.I.1.2.2b.20. D.R.0. A.G.1. D.P.S. A.G.3. D.F. (A)(B) (C) F.1.2.5. S. of S. for Foreign Affairs, F.O. (ir. Orde) First Lord of Admiralty, Sir Ernle Chatfield, Ad. (D.N.I.) Ad. (D.O.D.) Ad. (D. of P.) S. of S. for Air, Seo. (Air Ministry) C.A.S. (Air Ministry) D.C.A.S. (Air Ministry) D.D.O.I. (Air Ministry) S. of S. for Colonies (Colonial Office) Sir J.E.Shuckburgh (Colonial Office) Colonial Office (Eastern Dept).
The War Office.
From - G.O.C. Hong Kong.
Depp. 1310. 25/6/34. Recd. 1130. 27/6/34.
0./1496 (clear) 28/6.
Minister has requested me supply
guards forthwith as temporary measure on British ships from
Shanghai Tientsin. Have authorised up to total of 60 all
ranks from Shanghai pending your approval.
C.4. (Telegrams) to:- M.0.1. (FOR ACTION).
Copies to -
ARMY COUNCIL, D.M.O. & I., D.D.LLO. & I. M.0.1.la.2.2a. M.I.1.2.2b.20. D.R.O. A.G. 1. D.P.S. A.G.3. D.F.(A)(B)(C) F.1.2.3. S. of S. for Foreign Affairs, F.O. (Mr. Orde) First Lord of Admiralty, Sir Ernle Chatfield, Ad. (D.N.I.) Ad. (D.O.D.) Ad. (D. of P.) S. of S. fær Air, Sec. (Air Ministry C.A.S. (Air Ministry) D.C.A.S. (Air Ministry) D.D.O.I. (Air Ministry)S. of S. for Colonies (Colonial Office) Sir J.E.Shuckburgh (Colonial Office) Colonial Office (Eastern Dept.)
Mr. Maynard. 45 Mr. Pickle
Mr. Parkinson.
Mr. Tomlinson.
Sir C. Bottomley.
33755/1934 Hong Kong.
Downing Street,
8 May, 1934.
Sir J. Shuckburgh.
Permt. U.S. of S.
Parly. U.S. of S.
Secretary of State.
HONG KONG
B. of T. to Admy.17.4
(encl. in No.5)
Admy to B. of T. 18.4. (encl. in No.6
FURTHER ACTION.
Clout enclos.
Copy to Admy and B. of
bopy who ende; to B.),
With reference to your despatch
No. 59 of the 25th January, regarding
the protection against piracy of ships
trading in Chinese waters, I have etc.
to trasmit to you a copy of corres.
exchanged between the Admiralty and the
B. of T. on the subject.
You will
observe from these letters that the
B. of T. are of the opinion (a) that the
issue in Hong Kong of the Safety
Certificate under the International
Convention for the Safety of Life at
Sea cannot properly be made conditional
upon the fitting of grilles or the
provision of armed guards, (b) that to
make the issue in Hong Kong of
passenger certificates subject to these
conditions
conditions is also open to serious objection,
and (c) that it is very doubtful whether
ocean-going passenger ships merely calling
at Hong Kong in the course of their voyages
should be allowed to fit grilles; and also
that the Admiralty doubt whether any useful
purpose would be served by pressing the
United Kingdom companies concerned to fit
grilles.
I agree with the Beard's view tpressed by the B.MT.
that it would be undesirable to make the
fitting of grilles and/provision of armed
guards compulsory.
I have, etc.
(@gd.) P. CUNLIFFE-LISTER.
Telegrams- “SHIPMINDER, PARL, LONDON." Telephone-WHITEHALL 5140 Ext.
Any further communication on this subject should be addressed to:-
e Assistant Secretary,,
Mercantile Marine Department
(address as opposite)
and the following number quoted :—
M.5974/34.
MERCANTILE MARINE DEPARTMENT,
BOARD OF TRADE,
GREAT GEORGE STREET,
WESTMINSTER, S.W.1.
25th April, 1934.
With reference to your letter of the 14th March
(33755/34) forwarding copies of correspondence with the
Governor of Hong Kong concerning the protection from
piracy of ships trading in Chinese waters, I am directed
by the Board of Trade to refer to their letter to the
Admiralty of the 17th April (M.3974/34) and to the letter
addressed by the Admiralty to this Department on the
18th April (M.1188/34) (copies of which have been
forwarded to your Department).
It will have been observed from these letters that
the Board are of the opinion (a) that the issue in Hong
Kong of the Safety Certificate under the International
Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea cannot properly
be made conditional upon the fitting of grilles or the
provision of armed guards, (b) that to make the issue in
The Under-Secretary of State,
Colonial Office,
Hong Kong of passenger certificates subject to these
conditions is also open to serious objection, and (c)
that it is very doubtful whether ocean-going passenger
ships merely calling at Hong Kong in the course of their
voyages should be allowed to fit grilles; and also that
the Admiralty doubt whether any useful purpose would be
served by pressing the United Kingdom companies concerned
to fit grilles.
In these circumstances I am to suggest that, provided
Secretary Sir Philip Cunliffe-Lister sees no objection,
the Governor of Hong Kong might be informed of the reasons
why it is considered desirable that the fitting of
grilles and the provision of armed guards should not be
compulsory.
I have the honour to be,
Your obedient Servant,
G.E. Baker.
end. to H
With the compliments of the
Secretary of the Admiralty.
Admiralty.
18th March 19 34.
Admiralty Ref. No.
Your Ref. No.
M. 1188/34
The Under Secretary of State,
COLONIAL OFFICE,
M. 1188/34
18th April,
With reference to Colonial Office Letter to the Board of Trade of the 14th March, No. 33755/34, forwarding copies of
correspondence with the Governor of Hong Kong concerning the protection against piracy of ships trading in Chinese waters, I an commanded by My Lords Commissioners of the dmiralty to acquaint you, for the information of the Board of Trade, that whilst they are still of the opinion that ships trading anywhere
in China should be fitted with grilles and supplemented where practicable with an armed guard, They feel that the views of the Admiralty and the Commander-in-Chief, China Station, are so well- known to all the shipping companies concerned and are so diume tri-
cally opposite to the views held by those firms, that no useful purpose would be served by pressing this matter on them.
In this connection My Lords observe that the Governor
of Hong Kong in his letter of the 25th January states that the percentage of vessels holding Hong Kong Fassenger Certificates which are fitted with grilles is estimated to be about 75, and this being so, it would seem better to leave the remaining 250 to fit the grilles voluntarily if they wish to do so. Further,
as the Governor points out, if compulsion was introduced, it
might raise the question of the responsibility of the authorities concerned in providing other measures, if, for example, the
erilles proved ineffective.
Copies of this letter have been sent to the Foreign
Office und Colonial Office.
I am, Sir,
The Secretary
BOLR OF TRE
Your obedient Servant,
S. BARNES
Any reply to this letter should be
addressed to-
THE SECRETARY,
BOARD OF TRADE,
GREAT GEORGE STREET,
WESTMINSTER, S.W.1,
the following reference number
quoted :-
M.5974/34
BOARD OF TRADE,
GREAT GEORGE STREET,
WESTMINSTER, S. WA.
17th April, 1934.
anch. to to king.
The Board of Trade present their compliments
to The Secretary of State for the Colonies,
and beg to transmit herewith for information copy of a letter
of to-day's date which they have caused to be addressed to
The Secretary,
Admiralty,
Reference to previous correspondence (if any) :-
2291, Wt. 16213/7530, 3000. 8/33. Wy.P.C. 613.
Telegrams—“SHIPMINDER, PARL, LONDON," Telephone-WHITEHALL 5140 Ext.
Any further communication on this subject should be addressed to:-
The Assistant Secretary,
Mercantile Marine Department
(address as opposite)
and the following number quoted :-
M.5974/34.
MERCANTILE MARINE DEPARTMENT,
BOARD OF TRADE,
GREAT GEORGE STREET,
WESTMINSTER, S.W.1.
17th April, 1934.
I am directed by the Board of Trade to refer to the
letter addressed to this Department by the Colonial Office
33755/34 on the 14th March (33765/34), a copy of which was forwarded
to your Department, on the subject of the protection against
piracy of ships trading in Chinese waters. In that letter
the Board were requested to furnish their views on the
desirability of introducing regulations which would render
it compulsory for ships holding Hong Kong Passenger
Certificates to be fitted with grilles and to be provided with guards.
The question of the provision of guards in passenger ships was discussed by the admiralty with the Shipping
Companies concerned in 1930, and the Board understood that
satisfactory arrangements had been made. As regards the fitting of grilles, this would not infringe any specific
The Secretary,
Admiralty
regulation/
this were the only objection
regulation of the Board of Trade, but the Bard's
surveyors would not ordinarily allow any arrangement
which would impede the mustering of passengers at toat
stations or interfere with their embarkation in boats in
an emergency. If, however,
to grilles the Board would be prepared to instruct their
surveyors to raise no objection to the suggested erections
in the case of vessels proceeding to China to engage
in the inland water trade or in the Chinese coasting
trade, but they are not satisfied that such erections
are required, or should be allowed, on ocean-going
passenger liners merely calling at Hong Kong in the
course of their voyage and they would be glad to learn
the views of the Admiralty in this matter.
In this connection I am to draw attention to the
fact that, as soon as the International Safety Convention
of 1929 becomes operative in Hong Kong, the existing
Hong Kong Passenger Certificate will, in the case of
practically/
practically all the ships registered in Hong Konɛ be
replaced by the Safety Certificate issued under the
Convention, and the issue of this Certificate could
not properly be made dependent on compliance with
conditions such as those suggested. Further Safety
Certificates produced in Hong Kong by passenger ships
registered in other Convention countries would have to
be recognised by the Hong Kong Authorities.
In addition, ships surveyed in Hong Kong for
Safety Certificates will also be required to obtain
Pass.nger Certificates, but these latter Certificates
will merely indicate the number of passengers which
the ship is entitled to carry, and it would appear to
the Loard that to make the issue of the Passenger
Certificate subject to the provision of guards and the
fitting of grilles would also be open to serious
objection.
The Foard are, of course, not directly concerned
with the position of ships owned and registered in
Hong Kong which may be running in local trades, but
there are a number of ships registered in the United
Kingdom/
Kingdom, or owned in the United Kingdor, which normally
obtain their Certificates in Hong Kong and, in so far
as these ships are concerned, I am to suggest that, if
Their Lordships should consider that there is a prima
facie case for the fitting of grilles on all passenger
ships engaged in Chinese waters it would be desirable
that the views of the shipping companies concerned
should be ascertained, and to enquire whether the
Admiralty would take steps to ascertain the views of the
lines as was done when the question of the provision of
gua,da on pass.nger ships was under consideration in 1930.
I have the honour to be, Sir,
Your obedient servant,
(isogned) G. E. BAKEN
Mr. Parkinson.
Mr. Tomlinson.
Sir C. Bottomley.
Sir J. Shuckburgh.
Permt. U.S. of S.
Parly. U.S. of S.
Secretary of State.
DRAFT.for conson.
33755/34. Hong Kong.
see [5] "[6]
Downing Street,
March, 1934.
THE SECRETARY,
BOARD OF TRADE.
(4) on 13838/33.
Despatch 370 of 21.9.33 to Hong Kong.
(6) on 13838/33.
Despatch 59 of 25.1.34 from Hong Kong. (1)
With reference to a
communication from this Department
(No. 13838/33) of the 20th September,
1933, I am directed to forward, to be
laid before the Board of Trade, copies
of the enclosed correspondence on the
subject of the protection against
piracy of ships trading in Chinese
FURTHER ACTION.
fovernor considers thre It will be observed that the
leopy to 7.0.@
the facts disclosed
figures in despatch 59 of the 25th
January, 1934, from the Governor of
Hong Kong afford a strong argument
in favour of the provision of grilles
and guards on such ships, and I am to
request that I may be furnished with
the observations of the Board of Trade
as to the desirability of introducing
regulations which would render it
compulsory for ships based on Hong Kong passenger certificates
to be fitted with grilles, and to carry
armed guards,
& as to the authouty under which
requlations should be issued.
I am to add that it is presumed
that in examining this question the Board
will consider what responsibility (if any)
would be imposed on the Authority
concerned by the introduction of such
regulations.
twus letter 2 law, &c.,
А сору ?
the Admiralty
is bring sunt to
to the Foreign Office
GOVERNMENT HOUSE,
HONG KONG.
25th January, 1934.
With reference to your despatch No.370
of the 21st September, 1933, regarding the provision
13838|33 · of grilles and armed guards in ships trading on the
Copy to B.2.
China Coast, I have the honour to inform you that
since the adoption by this Government of the
recommendations contained in the report of the
Sunning Piracy Commission (published as Sessional
Paper No.3 of 1927) twelve piracies of coastal
steamers have been reported to the Hong Kong Police.
Four of these vessels, the "Hsin Wah",
"Tean", "Deli Maru" and "Hai Ching" were fitted with
grilles at the time the piracy took place.
In the case of the "Hsin Wah" the
grille was opened to allow one of the crew to pass
through and was rushed by pirates before it could
This ship did not carry guards.
be closed.
Hoihow harbour.
The "Tean" was pirated when lying in
There is no record to indicate whether
the grilles were open at the time. It seems probable that they were.
THE IGHT HONOURA LE
SIR P. CUNLIFFE-LISTER,
6.3.B., M.C., M.P.
When the "Deli Maru" was pirated the grilles had been left open.
In the case of the "Hai Ching" the pirates gained access to the main deck through an unsecured
manhole but were unable to secure control of the
bridge. These ships all carried guards.
Of the remaining eight vessels, two only
carried guards.
It is estimated that of vessels holding Hong
Kong passenger certificates some seventy-five per cent
are fitted with grilles.
5. The figures quoted would therefore appear to
afford a strong argument in favour of the provision of
grilles and guards, since, during the period under
review no ships so provided were victims of piratical
attack except where through some momentary slackening
of precautions the pirates succeeded in establishing
themselves inside the grille.
The provision of grilles and the car ying
of guards is not compulsory. If compulsion were
introduced it might raise the question of responsibility
of the Authority requiring such compulsory safeguards.
I have the honour to be,
Your most obedient, humble servant,
Governor, &c.