CO129-414 - Governor Sir May - 1914 [10-11] — Page 247

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Commodore's Office,

Hongkong 3rd October, 1914.

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sir.

In reply to Your Excellency's letter of 2nd October, relative to German Merchant vessels leaving Manila with coal for the German Squadron in the Far East, there is not the slightest doubt in my mind that they have done so during the war and are still trying to do so, nor do I think that any impartial person can have any doubt on this point. A strict watch on Manila has been

rendered necessary by the number of vessels laden with coal and

provisions waiting an opportunity to sail.

2.

German Possessions in the Far East have virtually

ceased to exist and it is unlikely that the vessels in Manila wish

to carry coal to neutral ports such as Bangkok, which is the osten-

sible destination of some of them, nor are they vessels of the

collier class.

Although Mr. Harrison may be correct in his opinion

that the strict letter of neutrality has been observed because

there may be no actual proof of the ultimate destination of the

coal, it seems to me that the neutrality of the Philippine Govern-

ment is of a benevolent nature in respect to Germany.

His Excellency

Sir F. H. May, K.OM.Č.,

Governor of Hongkong.

I have, etc.

Sd.

Robt. H. Anstruther

Commodore.