Page 378
Page 378
CYMIER TELEGRAM
FROM
O.A.G.
HONG KONG
D. 6th November, 1940. K. 6th #t
16.05 hrs.
NO. 714.
493
Addressed to Prime Minister of the Commonwealth of Australia repeated to $. of S. for the Colonies No. 714 reference his telegram No. 617.
On the suggestion of the S. of S. for Colonies I am communicating with you direct on the following matter.
Union Insurance Society of Canton is a British Company established in Hong Kong 1841. 80% of its shareholders are British and 70% of its funds which total £5,000,000 sterling are invested in the Empire. It owns 99% of the stock of its subsidiary companies and conducts a world-wide business. Ite chief branch in Australasia is at Sydney. In the event adverse developments in the Far East the whole of the business of the Society would be imperilled and in the event of Hong Kong being occupied by an enemy it would become impracticable to operate. Union Insurance Society and its subsidiary companies desire to transfer their registered offices to Sydney now and to remain for the duration of the war and approved period thereafter. I approve of this course and am ready to enact the necessary legislation to enable this to be done so far as Hong Kong is concerned provided that your Government is prepared to arrange for (2 corrupt groups) Dominion and ultimate legislation to enable the Union Insurance Society of Canton and its affiliated companies to become automatically registered in New South Wales upon transfer from Hong Kong. All the companies are registered under the Hong Kong Companies, Ordinance. Union Insurance Society of Canton desires such action taken with the least possible delay. Branch office at Sydney has been instructed to give you any further information you may require regarding the society.
and incorporated
Page 378
Page 378
Page 378