Blunderbuss Diplomacy

Now that PM David Cameron and his cohorts have depleted the British navy to the point where it might just be able to defend the Thames Barrier, he has decided to licence British ships to employ armed private security guards to shoot Somali pirates. They need shooting, but this is privatization by the back door (title link). Coincidentally, Bonhams next London sale of Fine Antique Arms and Armour on 30 November features no fewer than 24 blunderbusses (CLICK). Back in the Golden Age of Piracy, this fearsome weapon - an early shotgun with a short barrel and flared muzzle - was carried by naval warships, privateers and pirates for use in close-quarters boarding actions. The example above is an English Flintlock Blunderbuss. Sorry, Bonhams, heavier weapons are required to deal with Somali pirates. Short-range guided missiles would do the trick. Will Cameron allow the Home Secretary to licence their use?