from sporadic attack and also to accept inconveniences, some of which 9.g. sailing under convoy are much the same as the Hong Kong tradera complained of.
-
It appears
to the Admiralty to be an untenable proposition that traders should expect to carry on their business without inconvenience or danger in a foreign country suffering from civil war and should have provided for them, without cost to themselves, whatever increase of protection is
necessary to effect this.
4.
In Their Lordships' view therefore the cost of hire and maintenance, and of the native parts of the crews, for the period up to 21st August 1925, should still fall on
the Colony of Hong Kong.
5. As mentioned above, the cost of maintaining these
launches has been borne entirely by the Navy from 21st August 1925; but as soon as trade is resumed these arrange- mants will have to be reconsidered.
If the launches are
still maintained, the Hong Kong Government should, in Their Lordships' view, bear the cost of hire and maintenant: and of the native parts of the crews as before, and should also bear a proportion of the .coat of the British officers
and crewS,
6.
I am to mention that the Commander-in-Chief, China has reported that the four launches originally taken up
have been returned to their owners and three launches
224
have been taken up in their place and given the names "FAULKNER", "ONSLAUGHT" and "NESS US".
7.
I am to transmit, for the information of the Secretary of State, a copy of a letter which has been sent to the Treasury regarding the taking up of the two vessels "TONG ON" and "TUNG KWONG".
I am, Sir,
Your obedient Servant,
O.Munay
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