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F 6570/3361/10,
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OUT FILE
FOREIGN OFFICE,
S.W.1.
7th July, 1939.
82
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Sir,
2.
With reference to Colonial Office letter
No. 54000/39 of the 7th June, in which the observations
of this department were invited on a proposal by the Governor of Hong Kong to amend the Merchant Shipping
Ordinance, 1899, I am directed by Viscount Halifax to
inform you that he has consulted His Majesty's Ambassador
in China on this matter. copy of the telegraphic
correspondence is enclosed for convenience of reference.
In view of the opinion expressed by Sir Archibald Clark Kerr, in which His Majesty's Consul-General at Canton and His Majesty's Trade Commissioner at Hong Kong also concur, that the balance of advantage would appear to be against the issue of the proposed ordinance, Lord Halifax would suggest that, should Mr. MacDonald see no objection, the Governor of Hong Kong
might be instructed to defer action until Sir Archibald Clark
Kerr has explained his view of the position to the Chinese
authorities and requested them to reconsider the matter.
3. A copy of this letter is being sent to the Board of
Trade.
The Under-Secretary of State,
Colonial Office.
I am,
Sir,
Your obedient Servant,
(sgd) R.S. Howe
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