F
51254
RECO
795
"Jam
BEG 260CT 16 placed orders for two ateamers (on behalf of the vián
Steam Navigation Co.) with the Hongkong & Whampoa Dock
Co. Ltd., Hongkong.
The construction of these vessels has proceeded,
but I have now advice that the Government of Hongkong
decline to allow the vessels to be completed for neutral
owners, and if the vessels are completed it must be for
British owners.
The interests of the Siam Steam Navigation Co. and
the Atraits Steamship Co. Ltd., are more or less identi-
ual;
my Company utilises the Siam vessels for Colonial
interport British trade when necessity arises, and since
my Company at commencement of the war took up the German Costal trade from Singapore, these Siamese vessels
have proved most useful to British interests owing to
the scarcity of British Tonnage in the Straits.
Having regard to the circumstances, I would ask if
the British Government will allow the completion of these
two steamere for the Siam Steam Navigation Co.Ltd., and
permit the material to go forward for their completion.
If the Government cannot agree to this, I suggest
that the Straits Steamship Co. Ltd., take over the con- tract and complete the vessels for themselves, if this course would meet with approval of the Government.
The ships are urgently required in the interests
of British Coast Shipping on the Malay Peninsula, ana I would respectfully commend the matter to your kind
attention.
"an at present home on law from Kurejafor
I have the honour to de,
Sir,
Your opedient Servant,
SK Somowill
Managing Director. STRAITS STEAMSHIP CO LTD.