31
down to a figure which accords with actual value
are as stated in his despatch No. 19 of the 30th January 1948, to which he would add that it is proving increasingly difficult to obtain spares for many of the craft and that the cost of maintenance of those which are being retained in service is a heavy drain.
6. Before we can go much further it seems to me that we must find out the views of the Hong Kong Government about the Admiralty and War office claims and, in order that we may be in a position to do this, it has occurred to me that it might be useful and saving of further time if an officer of my department were to get together with one of yours so that information may be pooled and the points which require olarification from Hong Kong may be discussed between them. If you agree and will let me know (perhaps by telephone extension 121) I will have the necessary arrangements made.
J.C SIDECOTHAM
(J.B. Sidebotham)