CO129-411 - Governor Sir May - 1914 [5-7] — Page 237

Paraphrase

Telegram.

19801

1224

20

FLOR ROMAY 14

The Governor of Hong Kong to the Secretary of State

for the Colonies.

(Received Colonial Office, 11 a.m.

30th May,

1914).

His Majesty's Consul General at Canton has sent the following telegram to His Britannic Majesty's Minister at Peking.with my concurrence.

"Kwang Tung note redemption according to newspapers there is a dispute as to the financial adviser. As a modus vivendi may I suggest the adoption of my original proposal that a Government official who speaks Cantonese be appointed. The Governor of Hong Kong is prepared to second Messer, Captain, Superintendent of Police on a salary of £2000. He is of proved financial experience having acted as Treasurer on several oucasions."

Since this was sent I have learned that a

Hong Kong official is not acceptable. After consul- ting with Consul General I telegraphed as follows

to Minister at Peking.:-

*Hong Kong Government strongly objects to any one but a British subject having control and super- vision of redemption of Canton notes and urges that no other appointment should be made in view of preponder-

ance of British interests and services rendered to the

Central Government by onsul General at Canton and the

Governor of Hong Kong."

I shall be glad if you will endorse my

action and press for object in view.

MAY.