Copy.
733
Enclosure in Sir M. Findlay's No. 2631 Commercial, 29-11-16.
Copy of letter from
Messrs Hans Kiaer & Co.
to
Sir M. de C. Findlay,
dated ovember 25th, 1916.
I
Referring to our letter of 31/8, in which we stated that we had two ateamers building at ongkong, which required some plating etc. and after waiting until 21/9 we decided to get these materials etc. from America at an extra expense of 210,000 for each ship in order to get some ready, thus re- leasing plates and materials, which had already been ordered
by the builders the tongkong & Whampoa Dock Co. of ongkong
in "ngland.
Since then we are in receipt of your favour of 21st
October stating that the materials could not be supplied then
but might be available in about two months.
We have just now received the following telegram from
Hong kong: "Gover me rt states neutral new buildings granted
delivery provided chartered ritien firm half market rate,
dock and we have applied local Goverment cable to home author-
ities regarding applications recommend you support same
through Lorwegian Legation London,"
I
As we already in ours of 31/8 have stated, that we
are willing to charter to a British firm we find it very hard
to do so at half rate of freight, when we in order to get the
ships ready at all under the war, agreed to release the writin
materials plates etc. and pay extra 210,000 for each ship and we pray
therefore in consideration of the above that you will kindly
take the matter up for further consideration and grant us de-
livery of the ships without any such conditions.
Awaiting to hear from you.