Z/N:AMP
COPY.
5/460/1938.
14
Government House,
CONFIDENTIAL.
Hong Kong, 15th September, 1939.
Sir,
I have the honour to refer to paragraph 5
of your letter No.172.0/39 of 25th January, 1939, regarding
the provision of a sea-going tender for the Hong Kong Naval Volunteer Force, and to my confidential note of 28th
February, 1939, forwarding a copy of my letter of 24th February, 1939, to His Excellency the British Naval
Commander-in-Chief, China Station. No reply to the last
has yet been received.
2.
This Government has meanwhile decided to
proceed with the construction of a vessel which although
designed to serve certain civil purposes, particularly
acting as tender for the light-houses, will also definitely
serve the Hong Kong Naval Volunteer Force as a training
vessel. For this purpose it is proposed to make provision
for mine-sweeping gear as shown in your secret plan
No.C.C.24/39 dated 15th March, 1939, at the additional
cost of £750.
3.
In view of the fact that the entire cost of
the vessel will now be borne by the Colony, I shall be glad
if favourable consideration may be given to the suggestion
that the cost of the mine-sweeping gear should be met from
Imperial funds.
The Honourable
The Commodore,
Hong Kong.
I have the honour to be,
Sir,
Your most obedient servant,
G. AS. NORTHCOTL
Governor.