JP!
Enclosure 8.
(4).
Confidential.
6.5313 32564
IRE? REG MAY 15
COLONIAL SECRETARY'S OFFICE,
November,
t.
GENTLEMEN,
HONGKONG, 24th Eretober, 1914.
In continuation of my letters of the 30th October and 7th November, I am directed to convey to you the following further instructions of His Excellency the Governor :-
Interviews with Detained Alien Enemies.
1. The detailing of men of the Royal Garrison Artillery to escort alien enemies from the camp at Hunghom to Hongkong for the purpose of assisting the liquidators in the winding up of the various alieu enemy firms has been found to add appreciably to the duties of the garrison and to cause considerable inconvenience to the military authorities. It is fully recognised that from time to time the liquidators must have the assistance of the former employees and members of the firms in question, but I am to ask you to be good enough to endeavour to make as few requisitions of this nature as possible. Something might be done in this direction by holding up enquiries and so dealing with as many matters as possible at each visit. It is desired to leave the matter to the discretion of the liquidators, and it is confidently expected that they will use their best endeavours to minimise the inconvenience referred to. In every case the prisoner should be returned to camp as soon as he can be spared. Requisitions for the attend- ance of prisoners should be sent to the Provost Marshal at least 24 hours before the time at which the attendance of the prisoner is required.
Sale of Leaseholds.
2. If it should become necessary in any case to sell or otherwise dispose of any leaseholds which are the property of alien enemies whose affairs are being wound up, nothing should be done without reference to the Government, as directions would be necessary as to the mode of sale and the question of dealing with the legal title would have to be considered.
Sale of Business as a Going Concern.
3. It is not advisable that any business should be sold as a going concern without the consent of the partners, except in the case of insolvency.
Acceptance by Liquidators of Agencies.
4. It is not intended that liquidators should be prevented from accepting agencies formerly held by the alien enemy firms of which they are the respective liquidators if such agencies should be offered to them by the principals, or that they should be dlebarred from entering into any relations whatsoever with persons and firms with whom the alien enemy firm formerly had trade relations.
To Messrs....
Liquidators of