}
(COPY).
Any further communication should be addressed to-
THE ASSISTANT SECRETARY.
at the address given opposite.
The following letter and number should
be quoted -
C.
9306.
Telegraphic Address:
> COLASTA, LONDON.
Telephone No.: 3840 Victoria,
C
147
17576
RECE
BOARD OF TRADE, REG 13 APR 16
(COMMERCIAL DEPARTMENT),
GWYDYR HOUSE,
WHITEHALL,
LONDON, S.W.
SLT,
21st March, 1916.
I am directed by the Board of Trade to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 9th March (1.W.59486/7)
relative to the exportation of pig lead from Hong Kong to
China.
In reply, I am to state that the exportation of "lead (pig, sheet, or pipe)" is prohibited from Hong Kong to all
destinations other than the United Kingdom, British
Possessions and Protectorates and the Board would therefore
be glad to learn Hr.Lloyd George's reasons for thinking that
re-exports have taken place from the Colony.
I am to add that while the Board will have no
objection to making absolute the existing prohibition in
order to conserve supplies of lead for use in this country
they consider that if the object in view is merely to pre-
vent lead from being exported to China via Hong Kong it would
more properly be attained by requesting the Colonial Office
to issue the necessary instructions to the Hong Kong Govern-
ment.
The Secretary,
Ministry of Munitions of War.
I am,
Sir,
Your obedient Servant,
(Sgd.) H.FOUNTAIN.