Enclosure 2.
COLONIAL SECRETARY'S DEPARTMENT.
No. 182. The following correspondence relating to the retirement of Sir HENRY MAY is published for general information.
A. G. M. FLETCHER,
Colonial Secretary.
17th April, 1919.
A
GOVERNMENT HOUSE,
HONGKONG, 31st January, 1919.
DEAR SIR HENRY MAY,-On the 21st January, I received a telegram from the Secre- tary of State for the Colonies as follows
"Greatly regret to inform you that Governor has tendered resignation which I have accepted from end of February with much reluctance and warın
"thanks for his long and distinguished services. I do not doubt that
"
this feeling will be fully shared by the Colony for which he has done so much.
to which I replied as follows on the 22nd January :-
MILNER."
"I have received with very great regret your telegram of January 20th announ- cing the resignation of the Governor, I propose to move a resolution
"at an early meeting of both Councils."
I also caused letters to be addressed to the senior Unofficial Members of the Execu- tive and Legislative Councils and to the Public Press of which I enclose copies.*
I also enclose a copy* of the proceedings at the joint meeting of both Councils held on the 25th January. The speeches delivered reflect the general feeling of the commu- nity of this Colony. On the eve of what it is hoped will be a period of great develop- ment the loss of your wide experience and knowledge will be deeply felt. I desire on behalf of the Colony to convey to you, to Lady MAY and to the members of your family an expression of sincere regret at your retirement, and of gratitude for the great services that you have rendered.
Yours, &c.,
ब्रि
(Sd.)
CLAUD SEVERN,
BUENA VISTA HOTEL,
COWICHAN BAY, B.C.,
9th March, 1919.
DEAR SIR, I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 31st of January covering copies of telegraphic correspondence with Secretary of State for the Colonies on the subject of my resignation of the Governorship of Hongkong, together with a copy of the proceedings of a joint Meeting of the Executive and Legislative Councils held on the 25th January relating to the same subject.
It is not surprising that you yourself and the Honourable Members of the Councils were, in the circumstances, at a loss to understand the reasons which induced me to ask the Secretary of State so suddenly to relieve me of my duties. I now hasten to inform you that on the 15th of January I was obliged to send the enclosed telegram to Lord Milner, and that I received the enclosed reply.
I am happy to say that since the attack from which I suffered, my health has gradually improved.
* Not printed.
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