CO129-413 - Governor Sir May - 1914 [8-10] — Page 466

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I regret the serious and unforeseen delay which my secret despatch of the 12th August suffered in transmission and regarding which the telegraphic correspondence concluding with your telegram of the 5th October has arisen. I may explain that after the outbreak of hostilities, the Siberian service was suspended, also the service via Canada, and the P.& 0. Co's service vià Suez was threatened with interruption owing to the possible activity of hostile cruisers. I took advantage of the American mail service vià San Francisco and New York, which, though not expeditious, offered greater security. I presume that the delay was accentuated by the dislocation of the steamer services from New York to Europe.

I enclose for your information a table giving dates

and particulars of despatch of the periodical secret despatches on the war and of other important confidential despatches on the same subject which I have addressed to you since the outbreak of hostilities.

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I am addressing you in a separate despatch regard- ing the telegraphic correspondence on the subject of trading with the enemy ending with your code telegram of the 3rd October.

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With reference to paragraph 15 of my secret despatch of the 12th August the Committee appointed to control the price of foodstuffs appear to have attained satisfactory success. Weekly meetings are held under the chairmanship of the Colonial Treasurer, when the maximum sale prices of all important foodstuffs are fixed and notified in the Government Gazette. The principal considerations taken into account in fixing prices are the fall in exchange, increased insurance on freights, and increased cost of labour. It is satisfactory to note that it has been necessary to prosecute in only two instances.

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I have the honour to be, Sir,

Your most obedient,

humble servant,

tip

"Fit May

Governor,&c.