CO885-24 — Page 35

57

CEYLON.

to utilize other tonnage-if the routes are declared safe-to replace the cargo space which had been secured, in advance, for Ceylon produce on the vessels captured by the "Emden."

I was, on 22nd September, informed that the Naval Commander in Chief had declared the routes to be again reasonably safe. They were accordingly opened to traffic, any detained vessels being allowed to proceed. Owing to renewed activities on the part of the "Emden," it has, however, been necessary again to close the trade routes in the Bay of Bengal from 2 a.m. this morning.

4. In continuation of paragraph 3 of my despatch of 15th September,* I annex copy of a report from the Principal Collector of Customs to the Honourable the Colonial Secretary, showing the present position as regards the disposal of the prize ships

In this connexion I asked, by my cipher telegram of 21st September, that steps be taken to insure the "Fürth" for her voyage to Liverpool under the Government Insurance Scheme. I await your reply.

5. There are now 85 Germans on parole and 189 prisoners of war in camp at Ragama. I permitted Mr. Moser, then American Consul, who is looking after the interests of the Germans and Austro-Hungarians in Ceylon, to visit the camp, and he informed me in conversation on the 19th instant (when he handed over charge to his successor, Mr. Leonard) that he was entirely satisfied with the arrangements made for the comfort of the prisoners.

6. In order to afford the necessary reliefs for the members of the Ceylon Light Infantry whose continued absence from civil employment would cause undue hard- ship, I have by my proclamation of 21st September published in Gazette Extra- ordinary No. 6664, of 22nd September,† copy annexed, called out the "K," and "O" Companies of the Ceylon Light Infantry.

A," "C,"

As regards the general condition of the Colony I have nothing to add to the concluding paragraph of my despatch of 15th September.*

7.

I have, &c.,

ROBERT CHALMERS,

Governor.

Enclosure 2 in No. 32.

The Director of the Royal Indian Marine apparently found himself unable to send engineers for the 8.8. "Trifels," but, a shipwrecked crew having opportunely arrived in Colombo, she was sent to Bombay on 11th September, the "Reichenfels with coal having preceded her on 4th September.

3. Meanwhile an arrangement had been come to (in the interest of persons

Steinturm" and "Moltkefels interested in the cargo) whereby the "Rappenfels,"

"

should proceed to Calcutta and discharge their cargo there before being taken over by the Director of the Royal Indian Marine.

Having noticed, however, that several ships of this class had been let on charter by the Indian Government, His Excellency the Governor, in paragraph 9 of his letter of 15th September, inquired of the Viceroy whether the vessels interned in Colombo are still required.

4. No reply having yet been received, and in view of the facts stated above, viz., the inaction of the Director of the Royal Indian Marine in taking any steps to provide the officers and engineers for the navigation of these vessels and the adver- tising of some similar prize ships lying in Indian ports for charter, I think it may safely be assumed that India is no longer concerned with these vessels, which it finds are not suitable for transport purposes.

5. On the other hand, local interests are suffering owing to the lack of freight, and I have reasons to know that since the recent losses in the Bay of Bengal certain large shipping firms in England have telegraphed to local agents inquiring as to the possibility of chartering or purchasing the vessels seized.

6. The Attorney-General informs me that he will very shortly be in a posi- tion to procure the condemnation of the "Moltkefels, "Fürth," and "Australia.” The "Rappenfels" has already been condemned.

7. I would, therefore, suggest that the Secretary of State be asked to approve of the sale or charter of these vessels-as may after inquiry appear most advisable-- so that suitable public notice may be given of the intentions of this Government in the proper quarters as soon as the order of condemnation is made.

The Honourable

The Colonial Secretary.

I am, &c.,

F. BOWES,

Principal Collector.

PUBLIC RECORD OFFICE

Reference :-

4 TTTTTC.O. 885

24 PUBLIC RECORD OFFICE, LONDON

ALLY WITHOUT PERMISSION OF THE BE REPRODUCED PHOTOGRAPHIC- COPYRIGHT PHOTOGRAPH—NOT TO

(No. 57.) SIR,

H.M. Customs, Colombo, 22nd September, 1914. WITH reference to previous correspondence re ships under detention in Colombo Harbour, I have the honour to submit the following points for your con- sideration :--

2. On 12th August the Viceroy telegraphed requesting that all these ships be placed at the disposal of the Director, Royal Indian Marine, for transport purposes. To this His Excellency the Governor replied on 13th August to the effect that he was anxious to co-operate and inquired if the Director of the Royal Indian Marine could arrange for navigation, &c. This was acknowledged with thanks on 14th August by the Viceroy, who asked His Excellency to communicate direct with the Director of the Royal Indian Marine regarding navigation, &c.

After that the Director of the Royal Indian Marine inquired from the Naval Intelligence Officer on two occasions as to whether these ships were suitable for transport purposes, and was each time informed that they were not. The Director of the Royal Indian Marine, however, made no further communication with regard to the navigation, &c., of the vessels.

On 27th August, however, the Viceroy again addressed the Governor asking that early measures be taken to send off the vessels requisitioned.

On 28th August you telegraphed to the Director of the Royal Indian Marine "Trifels was available, and asking that qualified engineers stating that the 8.8.

At the same time inquiry was made as, to be sent to navigate her to Bombay.

No reply was received to this whether the other vessels seized were required. inquiry, but the Viceroy on 29th August telegraphed that it is essential that the prízes should be placed at the disposal of the Director of the Royal Indian Marine.

* No. 81. + Not reprinted.

41403/8

No. 33.

THE GOVERNOR to THE SECRETARY OF STATE. (Received 26th October, 1914.)

(Confidential.)

SIR,

The Queen's House, Colombo, Ceylon, 29th September, 1914. IN continuation of my Confidential despatch of 23rd September last,* I have the honour to acknowledge receipt of the following telegraphic despatches:-

(a) Your telegram of 23rd September, declaring certain articles to be conditional contraband notwithstanding the provisions of the Declaration of London.

The necessary Proclamation was issued in a Gazette Extraordinary, No. 6887, of 28th September, 1914, copy of which is enclosed.†

(b) Your telegram of 23rd September, informing me of the order made in the English Prize Court regarding the prize "Lasca" and recommend- ing that similar orders be moved for here.

I have issued instructions accordingly to the Attorney-General.

(c) Your telegram of 23rd September, regarding restrictions on the right of capture under the Hague Convention and asking for the names of persons who give undertakings in accordance with certain articles in the Convention.

The information will be forwarded as occasion arises. The only case so far is that of Captain F. Eggert, of which you were notified by my telegram of 22nd September.

* No. 82. + Not reprinted.