THIS DOCUMENT IS THE PROPERTY OF HIS BRITANNIC MAJESTY'S GOVERNMENT}
SECRET.
I.C.0.1474.
COMMITTEE OF IMPERIAL DEFENCE.
IMPERIAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMITTES.
COFY NO. 25
Th
31
PROFOSED TRANSFER OF THE GOVERNMENT WIRELESS SERVICES IN HONG- KONG TO IMPERIAL AND INTERNATIONAL COMMUNICATIONS LTD.
(Frevious Paper No. I.C.C.1455).
Telegram from the Governor of Hong-Kong to the Secretary
of State for the Colonies.
92640/32 Dated 3rd March. Received at 12.44 p.m., 3rd March, 1933.
No. 54 Confidential.
*
Your telegram No.2 Confidential.
I have laid position
confidentially before leading members of European Commercial
Community who submit following resolution adopted unanimously.
"The representatives of the Chamber of Commerce consider it essential
that the Government should, in the interests of the trade of the
Colony and development of wireless communication in the Far East,
break off negotiations with the merger company and retain wireless
service in its own hands, proceeding as rapidly as possible with
development in the Far East of wireless facilities, both in radio
telegraphy and radio telephony". This resolution has been endorse
by Executive Council, Unofficial Members being specially strong in
opposition to further commitments with the Company, as likely to
imperil the Colony's commercial position at a critical time by
withholding or delaying provision of most up to date communicat.
which may at any time by established in China where cable company's
rights are already disputed and general considerations underlying
merger carry no weight. I am satisfied that proposed transfer woul
cause gravest dissatisfaction in the Colony. In these circumstances
regret that I must repeat my request that Hong Kong be released from
negotiations and allowed free hand for developments, Shall be
prepared to reopen negotiations when future position is clearer.
1.C.C. 1455.
1