wy.
.6244/18
*.226/18.
Sir,
453
COLONIAL SECRETARY'S OFFICE.
Singapore, 27th September, 1918.
I am directed to refer to my telegrams of 6th and 25th September and to confirm the view of this Government on the policy adopted by the Hong Kong Government in allowing time charters of vessels under the Liner Requisition Scheme.
These charters have been consistently permitted
at enormous figures which undoubtedly have the effect of keeping up freights, and of course resulting in lack of Government control of runs.
The Charterers naturally send the ships to the most paying runs, it has thus been impossible to place any reliance on the continuance of any vessel on any particular
run.
I refer more particularly to certain vessels used to come more or less regularly to Singapore the "Hai Mun" "Wollowora", "Telemachus", "Castlefield", "Manapouri" "Ching
Chow" "Brisbane" and "Von Waerwijick"
It would seen desirable that a single control of the vessel serving with the Straits Settlements and Hong Kong is highly desirable and that arrangements for the runs of the vessels concerned should be co-ordinated as between the two Colonies.
I may mention that the "Wollowora" is now chartered to the Seang Line in Rangoon for $110,000.00 (Hong Kong currency) per mensem.
I am to ask that you will give the question your careful consideration, and communicate your views on the subject as at early a date as convenient.
r
rant.Colonel J.W.Thomson.
I have etc., (Sd) F.S. James.
Colonial Secretary.S.S.
Deputy Controller of Shipping
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