FROM
CO
CYPHER TELEGRAM
54065/4/
NEUE IATION
-52 END
0.A.G.
D. 4th February, 1941, R. 5th
No. 87 Secret.
07.15 hrs.
Received
in
HONG KONG.
ช
YI
4/-/40 Your telegram No. 617 of 1940. Registry
5 FEB
As the whole question of need for removal of registered office of a company is dependent on correctness of advice given from Union Insurance Society Office in London that under Trading with the Enemy Legislation and Defence Regulations in England a British Company though having
of the extensive business and branch offices in other parts Empire has not been regarded as "Enemy" if ?postponed territory where registered office was located, came under Enemy control, definite pronouncement on precise position in this respect is requested for future guidance.
Under existing law here, loss of revenue from estate duty on shares of companies so moving and stamp duty on share transfers is involved, and if legal position under Trading with Enemy Regulations is as above stated will you (?consider corrupt group) Dominion legislation under which subject to suitable safeguards disability might be removed so as to protect companies which remain, or alternately to preserve estate and stamp duty for Colony of company's original domicile.
Union Insurance has moved and others may contemplate following .
}