CO129-414 - Governor Sir May - 1914 [10-11] — Page 65

SECRET.

Sir,

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62

British Consulate General,

Manila, 24th October, 1914.

Referring to my telegram of October 21st, I have the

honour to forward to Your Excellency herewith enclosed a detailed

report upon the wireless telegraphy stations in the Philippine Islands.

The Authorities have supplied me with a list only of such stations

operated by various departments; but have declined to furnish me with

information respecting their range.

I have, however, succeeded in obtaining this information

from another source. As, however, this source would at once be locat-

ed should the fact become know that this information had been obtain-

ed, I have the honour to request that it betreated as strictly confid-

ential.

The two sets of apparatus mentioned in my letter to

Your Excellency of October 9th are, I belive, still for sale. I under.

stand that an offer was made for the smaller set, but was refused on

account of the vague statements made by the applicant; also that

orders had been given to pack the larger set for shipment, so that it

will probably not be available much longer.

I should be glad to know whether any messages from the Philippine Islands likely to convey information to the enemy have been intercepted by any of His Lajesty's ships, apart from the signal made en clair by Fort Windt to the Naval Station at Olongapo reporting the presence of a British auxiliary cruiser, against the publicity of which signal protest has already been made to the Government here and at Washington. If that be so, I could obtain the services of a radio expert with intimate knowledge of these stations who could be placed on board by an outgoing British ship and who would be able to locate the sending station.

I have the honour to request a reply whether either of

the above proposals is likely to be of service.

His Excellency

Sir F. H. May, K.C.M.G..

Governor of Hongkong.

I have, etc.

Sd.

John B. Rentiers

Acting Consul General.