1
NR CONFIDENTIAL.
103
62547
IREN
Rr 27 Cl
GOVERNMENT HOUSE,
HONGKONG. 1st. November, 1918.
Scer
34042
sir,
In continuation of Sir Henry May's
Confidential Despatch of the 21st. May, I have the honour to
report certain further matters that have arisen in connection
with the shipping control.
2,
The question of the renewal of insurance
against war risk, referred to in paragraph 12 of that
Despatch, was very carefully considered by Sir Henry May. The
Vital Requirements Committee were, with one exception,
opposed to renewal; while the Unofficial Members of the
Legislative Council were divided on the subject. The Executive
Council, having the various opinions before them, voted with
one dissentient against renewal. The insurance was according-
-ly allowed to lapse.
3.
The profits from the controlled vessels
approximate at the present time to some $300,000 monthly. The
money thus derived is kept separately and apart from revenue;
and it therefore remains available as a war insurance sinking
fund.
Londlosure!.
4.
I enclose a list of the vessels now
under control. The first fourteen named were taken over at
the commencement of the scheme. The last three were
requisitioned in August.
THE RIGHT HONOURABLE
WALTER LONG, M.P.,
&c..
&c..
&c...
5.