Any further communication should be addressed to-
THE SECRETARY,
And the following letter and number should be quoted]:-
C.R.V./J/271.
Telegraphic Address: Munorgize, London. Telephone Number: Victoria, 8700.
MINISTRY OF MUNITIONS OF WAR,
607
CO 71995
WHITEHALL PLACE,
LONDON, S.W.1.
December, 1919.
FC
Sir,
With reference to the correspondence closing with your letter (54047) of the Land September, concerning the disposal of certain railway material originally destined for Russia, but now lying at Hong Kong, I am directed by the Minister of Munitions to state, for the information of the Secretary of State for the Colonies, that he has now been informed by the Agent in England of the United States Liquidation Commission War Department), that the question of the disposal of these rails is not within the jurisdiction of the Commission.
A similar question has arisen with regard to some other railway material lying in Japan, and Lord Înverforth has recently requested the Foreign Office to make representations to the United States Government, that that Government should instruct their representatives in Japan to agree with the British represent- atives in that country as to which portions of the material were purchased on American and British Credits respectively, and when an Agreement of this kind had been reached, to dispose of the material purchased on American Credits.
Both as regards the material lying in Japan and that lying at Hong Kong, it is believed that the whole was purchased on American Credits, but H. H. Treasury have semi-officially suggested that it would be well that it should be ascertained by agreement between the local representatives of the British and American Governments, whether this is in fact the case.
I am to inquire whether Lord Milner sees any objection to a similar request being made to the Foreign Office regarding the Hong Kong material, as has already been made regarding the material in Japan. In the event of Lord Milner approving this course, a further communication will be sent to your Department as soon as it is known that the Foreign Office have approached the American Government, so that the necessary instructions can be sent to the Hong Kong Government.
The favour of an early reply is requested.
I am, Sir,
The Under Secretary of State,
Colonial Office,
S.W.1.
Your obedient Servant,
6044 Sale
for Assistant Secuting