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HƯNG NG
CONFIDENTIAL
sir,
Colonial office,
165
Downing Street.
za september, 1939.
20
I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of
your despatch of the 22nd August, Confidential (2),
regarding the question of foreign companies being permitted
to undertake salvage operations in the Colony.
2. It appears to me that, if steps are to be taken
to prevent foreign companies from carrying out salvage
operations locally, it would be less open to criticism if
it were done now at a time when it is not obviously directed
against a particular applicant or associated with
particular application. If, therefore, you see no
objection, I would suggest that you should consider the
issue of a regulation under the mergency lowers (Defence)
Act, which has been extended to Hong Kong by Order-in-
Gouncil prohibiting the conducting of salvage operations in
the territorial waters of Hong Kong without the consent of
the Government. If, however, you are of opinion that the
issue of such a regulation at the present time would be
construed as being directed against the Japanese and would
be likely to have an antagonising effect upon them I agree
that the matter should be allowed to remain in abeyance
until a more favourable moment.
I have the honour to be,
sir,
Your most obedient,
humble servant,
QOVERNOR
SIR GROFFRY NORTHCOTE, K.G.H.G.,
etc.,
etc.,
etc..
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