BI
52092
154450
closure 6.
16
I would ask your further consideration of the matter from this
view point.
5.
In the matter of ship-building the definite instructions contained in your telegram of the 2nd. November, were conveyed to the Companies in the letter which forms the fourth enclosure in this Despatch. I attach in this connection a copy of my telegram of the 13th. Novomber, and a copy of a letter addressed to the Hongkong and Whampoo. Dock Company by Messrs. Thoresen and Company, who represent the omers of the four ships now building for the Norwegian flag.
6.
With regard both to ship-building md to ship-repairing for neutrals the local Companies make the point that they have used every endeavour to obtain war work from the Imperial and the Allied Governments, without success. The Manager of the Hongkong and Whampoa Dock Company states that he was definitely informed by the Ministry of Munitions that the resources of his yard were not required by that Department. It imposes a somewhat severe disability upon the local Companies that, while they are unable to obtain sufficient British orders either from the Imperial or from private sources, they are at the same time required to leave their yards partly idle, seeing work, with which they are fully able to cope, ging past them to competitors in Shanghai and Japan.
I have the honour to be,
Sir,
Your most obedient,
humble servant,
Clano Sevem
Officer Administering the Government.