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policy may be to drop the wireless so that their cable
system may be maintained profitably.
It is not for me to criticise this policy from
the business point of view, but I am strongly of the
opinion that if the British Wireless Service is not
suitably maintained in Hong Kong, the future of wireless
in Asia falls entirely into the hands of the Americans.
very
The Americans are already/ačtive in China and it would be
a severe blow to our prestige if the splendid service
established from Hong Kong is allowed to go.
It would probably be difficult for the Hong Kong
Government to keep a wireless service in competition with
the Imperial Communications' cables, but I do not see why
steps should not be taken by the Company to maintain an
efficient Imperial Wireless Station at Hong Kong.
I imagine that either Ezechiel or Clauson may
have, on their return, some views on the subject, but,
in the meantime, I suggest that the Colonial Office should
be urged to get the Communications Company to agree to
complete the proposals as suggested in the despatch
recently sent in by Government.
I enclose a memo lent me recently by King.
Yours sincerely,
(Sgd.)
A. H. Preece.