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F 4211/888/10
S.1.1.
21st July, 1942.
sir,
I am directed by Mr. Secretary Eden to refer to your letter of the 25th April last drawing attention to the present position of the Shanghai Waterworks Company, Limited and requesting that His Majesty's Government give the company financial assistance.
2. Mr. Eden is informed that the company's place of business is in Shanghai and it may still be operating there. It does not appear that the claim is in subetance one for assistance in maintaining the company in existence for which it seems probable that a very small sum would be sufficient, but rather a claim for funds to enable the company to meet its continuing liabilities in this country and to assist its dependents. The claim could not be admitted without admitting the claims of other companies which have suffered in a similar way. r. Eden regrets therefore that His Majesty's Government cannot see their way to accord the company any financial assistance.
3. A further point arises in connexion with the London Committee of the company. It appears that, although the company itself is registered in this country, the large majority of its shares are held in China, mainly in Shanghai, and that the control rests with these shareholders, the only really large individual
The Secretary,
The Shanghai Waterworks Company, Limited,
Roseneath,
Waverley Road,
Nairn,
Scotland.
holding/
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