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The
posed of under another twelve months, and that the
liquidators have, in fact, been instructed not to hurry
the liquidation, so long as they have funds in hand.
impression in the Colony seems to be that these businasson
are to be kept alive until the war is over, and the GermanS
will thus be in a position, immediately they are released,
to resume operations. It seems scarcely probable that this
is the intention of the Hongkong Government, but I should be glad if you could assure me that there are no grounds for the impression that the instructions of the Colonial Office not
to hurry the liquidation have been given in the interests of
the German firms,
(3) It is further alleged that the liquidatoms ara
forbidden to dispose of trade marks and house property, etc.
but to confine their operations to the sale of stocks, Ky
members quite appreciate that there are good reasons for
treating trade marks and property in a different manner, but
in view of the action of the German Government in ignoring the
principles of international law, they are anxious to learn
whether the German firms in Hongkong are to receive that acn-
sideration to which, in other circumstances, they would be
entitled.
(4) I am also to draw your attention to the very earnest
request of the Hongkong Chamber of Commerce that the GermALITE
interned there should be removed from the Colony, as their
presence, besides being objectionable, enables them to carry
on intrigues against this country through Canton, and, being
on the spot, they will be in a position to resume business the
more easily, after the war, than would be the case if they were
transferred elsewhere.
(5) As evidence of the terms, favourable to the Germans,
on which the liquidation is being Johducted, I bare extrao ted