ING CONFIDENTIAL.
Copy
all
341
O
34042
¡PEC? BFA JUL 18
GOVERNMENT HOUSE,
HONGKONG. 21st. May, 1918.
Gar
+0481
55070
Sir,
Referring to my Confidential Despatch of
the 4th. July, 1917, and subsequent correspondence, I have the honour to report in brief outline the progress of events since that date with regard to the question of the vital requirements of the Colony and the supply of shipping therefor.
2.
During the latter half of the year various requests were preferred by the Naval Authorities in connection with the requisitioning and diversion of vessels from the China Coast; and in each case the Vital Requirements Committee were able to suggest arrangements which were acceptable to the Commodore.
3.
There existed however an impression in the minds of the Committee that the conditions of the China Coast Trade were not fully understood by the Naval Authorities; and this impression was deepened by your telegram of the 12th. TY.
October, with its reference to the close connection betweenthe Straits.
coastal trades of India and China, and the consequent proposal to place an official in India in general charge of local ship- -ping affairs. My telegram of the 25th. October, in reply, was based upon the Committee's representations, and it was also endorsed by Vice-Admiral Sir W. L. Grant and by the Commodore. The situation was further explained in your telegram of the 15th. November, and your proposals were accepted by Mr. Severn FIGHT HONOURABLE
52575
WALTER LONG, M.P.,
80..
&c..
&c...
in