Sir Montague Ommaney, K.C.M.G.
(3)
30/8/01.112
express the strong hope that the Regulations made, prohibitive as they are to steamers burning Liquid Fuel, will be rescinded or modified in accordance with our wishes.
We are not only the pioneers of the Liquid Fuel business, but are so far the only firm engaged in conducting it in the East, and it does seem very much to be regretted that Harbour Regulations should be published, not only in direct antagonism to our views, but without even consulting our representatives, and that their recommendations should be systematically ignored.
It would be extremely difficult to maintain supplies of oil over 200° test, and we attach, therefore, the greatest importance to having the test in Hongkong reduced to 150°.
It is quite true that in Colombo the test is made 200°, but this is in consideration of financial reasons - Kerosene being subject to a very heavy Duty and these considerations do not weigh in Hongkong at all. In fact, there are no regulations in Colombo as to the Flash Point for vessels carrying Bulk Oil, and the Flash Point merely applies to oil actually landed there.
We have to express our thanks for the courtesy and patient hearing which you extended to our Senior.
We are, Dear Sir,
Yours faithfully,
For and on behalf of
THE "SHELL" TRANSPORT AND TRADING CO., LTD.
Dict. by Sir Marcus Samuel.
MANAGERS.