N CONFIDENTIAL.
(14)
92690/32
on
Sir,
63 /ENIS
GOVERNMENT HOUSE.
HONGKONG, 10th February, 1933.
I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your confidential despatch of the 29th December, 1932, on the subject of the law of piracy, and with reference to the fourth
paragraph of that despatch to request that I may
be furnished with an estimate of the costs of a
special reference to the Judicial Committee of
the Privy Council.
2.
The question is of considerable importance to the shipping community of the Far East which trades to and from Hong Kong, as well as to His Majesty's Navy and to shipowners general ly.
In the circumstances it may be possible to arrange that the expenses of such a reference shall be shared jointly by the Admiralty, the Board of Trade, and this Colony, and I should be prepared, if you think it advisable, to consider a proposal on these
lines.
I have the honour to be,
Sir,
Your most obedient, humble servant,
THE RIGHT HONOURABLE
SIR P. CUNLIFFE-LISTER, G.B.E., M.C., M.P.,
&c.,
&c.,
&c.
Governor, &c.