TELEGRAM.
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श्र
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The Governor of Hong Kong to the Secretary of State for the Colonies.
Dated 25th October
(Received Colonial Office, 5.35 p.m. 25th October,
1917)
M.O. 50010.
Straite roposals do not commend themselves me and my
With reference to your telegram 12th October control of merchant shipping. Regret that the
to
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advisers and are very strongly opposed by the heads of shipping fims. It is strongly held that the existing organisation based on my cipher telegram June 28th is working smoothly and is sufficient for the purpose of ensuring the best steps towards withdrawing further tomage from Far East Trade. I urge that it be allowed to continue. The same organization could be utilised forpurpose of effecting transfers bythe Comptroller of Shipping in London of vessels in Indian and Far East trade. It is considered that vessels not already requisitior ed can be brought now under requisition and control but it is urged strongly that with special reference to control of Chinese shipping companies that the organization for the purpose should be centred in Hong Kong where the existing shipping organization has been built up and where Far East shipping
is mainly managed and to be composed of Hongkong shipping men with a Government nominee and
representative from Shanghai and if necessary Singapore added. The strongest objection is
entertained