103
TELEGRAM from the Governor of Hongkong fo the Boretary
5289
of State for the Colonies. (Received Colonial Office 2.30 a.m. 30thuary, 1918)
RED 30 JAN 18
Asiatic Petroleum Company have represented urgent necessity for ootaining minimum of 30,000 tons of liquid fuel for Hongkong during 1918 of which 16,000 for existing public utility and industrial
concerns here and Canton district and 14,000 for
bunkers. Their fuel is imported in bulk in tankers ?and in double bottoms of neutral ships thus releasing additional space for cargo. Use of oil as fuel also releases bunker space for cargo. It is sold almost entirely in bulk or returnable drums thus obviating importation of tin plates while producing centres are only 1,600 miles from Hongkong. Should be glad if this matter could be brought to the notice of shipping Controller with a view to remaining British tanker tonnage in the Far East being left here as far as possible.
MAY.