397
54
your despatch of 8th August*, Clause 6 should be omitted. I approve also proposed action regarding voluntary contribution. I am advised, however, that although the preamble to the Ordinance would not affect its construction it would be preferable to omit therefrom references to the unofficial veto. The recital in the Ordinance gives the appear- Would not Unofficial ance of a contract to what is an honourable undertaking, and this would be illegal because "" or by citation therein of contrary to the implied right to vote given by Letters Patent.
objects and reasons Members be satisfied by statements in relevant paragraph of my despatch of 11th July?† Nevertheless, if you are satisfied that attempt to revise preamble would jeopardize the passage of the Bill through the Legislative Council the present draft may stand. I note that Preamble contains no mention of the sterling value of the Straits dollar, but this is of minor importance. In conclusion I observe that no reservation has been made of a right to terminate the agreement with the Unofficials in the event of a fundamental change in the circumstances of the Colony. Have you considered this point, and do you anticipate danger arising from the absence of any provision for termination? It would appear desirable to include in your Address an intimation that the agreement contemplates the continuation of substantially similar conditions in the Straits Settlements and any fundamental change whether in financial conditions or military requirements might involve the possibility of reconsideration after due notice had been given.
13060/33 [Nos. 23-26].
(Secret.)
SIR,
No. 40. COLONIAL OFFICE
to
1. TREASURY.
2. WAR OFFICE.
3. AIR MINISTRY.
4. ADMIRALTY.
[Answered by [2] No. 47; [3] No. 44; [4] No. 50.]
12th September, 1933.
With reference to Colonial Office letter of the 12th July, 1938‡, on the subject of proposals for a settlement of the basis of the military contribution of the Straits Settlements, I am directed by Secretary Sir Philip Cunliffe-Lister to transmit to you printed copies of a draft Ordinance§ to give effect to the proposed settlement, together with the draft
objects and reasons "§ to be circulated with the Bill.
"
Subject to the omission of Clause 6 and to consideration of certain other points raised in the enclosed copy of a telegram which is being sent to the Governor, Sir Philip Cunliffe- Lister has approved the introduction into the Legislative Council, of the enclosed Bill, the form of which has been fully discussed into the Colony's Executive Council with a view to its being so drawn as to be acceptable to the Legislative Council. The action which the Governor proposes to take in regard to the possibility of obtaining a further voluntary contribution from the Straits Settlements is indicated in the despatch-of which a copy is enclosed.
I am
Sir Philip Cunliffe-Lister would be glad to receive any observations which the [Treasury,] [War Office,] [Air Ministry,] [Admiralty,] wish to offer on the Bill. to request the favour of an early reply to this letter.
Similar letters have been sent to the [War Office, the Air Ministry, and the Admiralty]. [Air Ministry, Admiralty, and the Treasury.] [War Office, the Admiralty, and the Treasury]. [War Office, the Air Ministry, and the Treasury.]
I am, &c.,
R. V. VERNON.
13060/33 [No. 27].
(Confidential.)
55
No. 41.
STRAITS SETTLEMENTS.
THE GOVERNOR
to
THE SECRETARY OF STATE. (Received 14th September, 1933.) [Answered by No. 43.]
SIR,
In continuation of my confidential despatch, dated 30th August*, posted by air- mail, I have the honour to forward herewith 12 copies of a revised fourth draft of the Bill now under consideration concerning the Colony's defence contribution. This fourth draft is in the exact form in which the Bill was approved in Executive Council on the 30th August, and it is in this form that the Bill is being distributed confidentially by the Honourable Mr. J. Bagnall, senior Unofficial Member of the Legislative Council, to his Unofficial colleagues. This fourth draft contains no alterations of any importance, and differs very slightly, and then only verbally, from the third draft.
Government House, Singapore, 1st September, 1933.
2. At the meeting of Executive Council on the 30th August, the Unofficial Members agreed to the redraft of the last paragraph of my proposed address, as set out in para- I propose, graph 5 of my Secret Straits Settlements despatch, dated 23rd August. therefore, subject to any telegraphic instructions which I may receive from you, to amend the last paragraph of my address accordingly.
3. The Acting Colonial Treasurer, Mr. L. Rayman, drew attention in Executive Council to the fact that publication of paragraph 9 (a) in the "objects and reasons," which states that the amount of the defence contribution is based upon the present sterling value of the Straits dollar and that, if there should at any time be a substantial rise or fall in that value, the amount of the contribution will be discussed, may appear to give ground to a rumour, which seems to be current more particularly in Chinese commercial circles, that the sterling value of the dollar is likely to change. The Honourable Mr. Wee Swee Teow, an Unofficial Member of the Executive Council mentioned this rumour at the last meeting of the Colony's Finance Committee, and said that a business client of his had required special precautions as regards exchange value of the Straits dollar to be inserted in a contract. Moreover, the Singapore Chinese Chamber of Commerce has devoted a section of their memorandum, submitted to the Colony's Trade Commission, to the possi- bility of alteration in the exchange value of the dollar. In these circumstances, Mr. L. Rayma suggests that an assurance, similar to that which was given in 1919 (please see Legislative Council proceedings of that year-page C.164), that no change in the sterling value of the Straits dollar is in contemplation, should be given again on your authority. I therefore propose, if you agree, to insert in my draft address the following sentence: "At the same time I am authorized by the Secretary of State to give you an assurance that no change in the sterling value of the dollar from its present value has been, or is at present, under contemplation." This sentence would be inserted at the close of the 3rd paragraph on page 4 of the typescript of my draft address, which was enclosed in my Straits Settlements Secret despatch, dated 9th August. I shall be glad to know by telegram if you approve.
4. I am posting a copy of this despatch by to-day's ocean mail, and I'shall send the original by next week's air-mail.
I have, &c..
C. CLEMENTI,
Governor.
• No. 35.
↑ No. 33.
§ Enclosures in 19060/33 [No. 21]: not printed."
13060/38 [Nos. 9-12]: not printed.
No. 39.
No. 38.
• 13060/93 [No. 21]: not printed.
↑ Not printed.
No. 36.
(C38051)
▼ 2
PUBLIC RECORD OFFICE
Reference :—
C.O.882/11
PUBLIC RECORD OFFICE, LONDON
ALLY WITHOUT PERMISSION OF THE BE REPRODUCED PHOTOGRAPHIC- COPYRIGHT PHOTOGRAPH-NOT TO
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