delee kal
395
*1b
and suitable arrangements made with the Government of the
Colony.
Regarding (1.)
The Government may, for reasons of its
Own,
consider it advisable to erect a station capable of
direct communication with Europe, America, Australia, etc.,
but might hesitate to assume responsibility for the operation
of such a plent. We would be prepared to act as Managers
of the station in all its branches our remuneration to be an
agreed percentage of the gross receipts. Or, if only our
technical services were required in the maintenance of the
equipment a reasonable annual fee would be expected.
With regard to (2) The formation of a local Company
might be considered in which the Government jointly with
ourselves, or the Government, jointly with local capitalists,
or any combination of these three interests, could participate.
Under such a scheme the project would, naturally, have to be
considered as a commercial undertaking to attract other than
Government capital. If, however, the strategical importance
of the staticn warranted an investment and operating costs
in excess of commercial limitations the Government might be
found willing to subsidise the station until sufficient
traffic could be developed to pay operating charges and a
reasonable return on the investment.
·
Commenting on (3.) If we are permitted to erect and
operate, wholly for our own account, a station within Hong
Kong we would be prepared a guarantee the Colony a continuous
wireless service of a character to be agreed upon but would
expect an exclusive license for a long term of years and a grant
of land for the ereation of our plant. In consideration of
the foregoing we would be willing to pay to the Government,
annually, a given percentage of the net receipta after making
suitable allowance for capital charges and redemption.
/I
1