CO129-407 - Public Offices & Others - 1913 — Page 80

79

(Copy) H. 13138.

DOWNING STREET,

3

1st October, 1912.

30205/1912. (41286)

-F

•LUE

Sir,

I am directed by Mr Secretary Harcourt to return to

you the accompanying letter from the Imperial Merchant

Service Guild, which was enclosed in your note of the

24th September, as the matter appears not to be one for this Department.

2. In view of the distance of the Paracel Islands

from Hong Kong, it would not be possible for that Colony

to erect and maintain a light there. According to the

China Sea Directory the islands and reefs are frequented

by Chinese fishing boats, and Mr Harcourt presumes that the Chinese Government has the best claim to any rights

over them,

I am accordingly to suggest that the Govern- ment of China should be approached upon the subject, or in the alternative that the Board of Trade should be

asked to give their advice, with regard to the possibility

of providing for a light on the Islands from Imperial

funds.

I am, etc.,

(Sgd) HENRY LAMBERT

The Under Secretary of State,

Foreign Office.

for the Under Secretary of State.

:

5.