sir,
5797
His Majesty's Consul EB15
HOIHO
September 8th, 1914.
269
The S.S. "Phranang" is visiting this port under
nominal Chinese charter, though there seems reason to believe
that the Chinese firm is only a figurehead, and that the real
interest is Messrs. Jebsen's. There are also reports that
the Phranang Steamship Company, by which the vessel is owned,
is to all intents and purposes German, and this is borne out
to some extent by the fact that the Managing Director, Mr. Buna,
is German. I need scarcely point out how prejudicial these
reports are to British prestige in this port, and I have
therefore the honour to beg that you will procure for me par-
ticulars of the origin of the capital of the Phranang Steam-
ship Company, and favour ce with your opinion as to its com
petency, under the Merchant Shipping Act, to own a British
ship.
The Honourable
The Colonial Secretary,
E ONG KONG.
I have the honour to be,
Sir,
Your obedient servant,
(Sd.). Stark Toller
Acting Consul.
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