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"to port and had used these ships as lighters", md that "the "Scandinavian vessels had so identified themselves with the enemy "by taking a transhipment of the goods (not bought and sold in "the ordinary course of business) in order to continue the transit ( "that no protection could be given to them, or wis ever intended "to be given to them, under the Declaration of Paris". It does not appear that this reasoning would extend to the present case if the goods in question should rench Hongkong in trmsit on a Dutch ship, and it would therefore seem to be impossible to take any action against the goods in such a case,
4.
The fact, however, that the agency in the Netherland East Indies is under the control of a person within the jurisdiction of this Colony, and that the Hongkong Agent could prevent the shipment of this cargo by any vessel of the Java- -China-Japan-Lijn unless the head office chose to send out orders direct to the agency in question, seams to render it both possible and desirable to refuse permission for the shipment unless for any reason or policy it is considered that permission should be given. I may say that the local agent of this line has apparently acted since the outbreak of war in an entirely proper manner with regard to various restrictions imposed by the Government on account of the war. The cargo referred to in Sir F. H. May's Despatch No. 388 of the 30th. October was carried by this line, but the agents might well have supposed that the chartered Bank were acting with the permission of the British Authorities.
5.
I have caused the local agent of the line to be informed that a reply to his enquiry will be sent later on, and I shall be obliged if you will communicate by telegraph your instructions in this matter.
I have the honour to be, Sir,
Your most obedient,
humble servant,
ClaudSevem
Officer Administering the Government.
IF