PROOF
13057
Enemy Firms.--7770.
12.
291
No.
HONG KONG
THE GOVERNOR to THE SECRETARY OF STATE.
(Paraphrase.)
(Received 6.50 a.m., 11th March, 1917.)
TELEGRAM.
[Answered by No. 13057.]
CLAUSES 9 to 13 of the Nigeria Ordinance enclosed in your circular despatch 2), 20th December,* are being enacted here. Only five leasehold properties are cerned. One of these is at the Peak, while three, including premises of the eutsch Asiatische Bank, are situated in Victoria, fourth at Shaukiwan, Market alue of the last four would be seriously diminished if sale were restricted to ritish subjects, the properties being of a class largely held by non-British Chinese. one case in order to pay liabilities of firm it is essential to obtain best price. oreover there is no military or other public reason for such restriction. In these umstances I propose to sell the five properties by public auction, reserving proval of purchase to Governor. In my opinion this will give sufficient control. you approve this course?-MAY.
* No. 62780.