ר
C.O
53360
REC REG 30 CT 171
139
PARAPHRANI VELEGRAL from the Governor of Hongkong to
the Secretary of State for the Colonies. (Received Colonial Office 12.10 a.m. 30th October, 1917)
It is represented by Taikoo Sugar refinery that their business is being most seriously affected by pro- hibition of telegraphic correspondence with Dutch East Indies. They have bought two hundred and fifty thousand piculs sugar for delivery next month and have engaged tonnage with heavy demurrage penalty and have to make remittances and arrange for future sugar supplies All these transactions are dislocated China sugar refinery also and other important interests are seriously jeopardized. It is a matter of greatest importance to British business interests in Hongkong that telegraphic communication with Dutch East Indies should be restored. I would suggest that bona fide commercial telegrams sent or received by British firms of high standing might be sent and received subject to my approval.
MAY.