CO129-425 - Governor Sir May - 1915 [10-12] — Page 59

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COPY.

Enclosure

American Consular Service,

57

Hongkong. September 27, 1915.

The Colonial Secretary, Hongkong.

The Honourable

>

Sir,

56941

¡Rec! REGE 10 DEC 15

I have the honour to invite your attention to the reported stopping and delaying by the Hongkong censor of tele- -grata transmitted and received by Frazer and Company, an American firm doing business in Shanghai. The following are some of the instances of delay, as reported to this office by the American Consul-General at Shanghai:-

"On the 9th. instant we telegraphed to Calcutta for gunny bags and on the 13th. instant we received a notice from the lastem Extension A. & C. Telegraph Company to the affect that Hongkong advise our telegram of the 9th. instant to Calcutta had beenstopped by the censor.

"On the 16th, instest at 4.45 p.m. we received the following telegrams frem London:-

"(1) Dated Londen 21. September 3.40 p.m. accepting goods offered August 25th. This telegram was held back from the 2nd. to 16th, instant, and loss of market has been

suffered by us in consequence.

*(2) Telegram from London dated 4th. September 1.

P.M. ordering cargo for October shipment. This telegram being 12 days in transit we have lost the opportunity for October shipment.

"Telegram from Manchester dated 7th.. instant 6.35 p.m. held back for nine days offering for a large quantity of piece goods, the offer from our client in the mean time having bee withdraw.”

As the reported action on the part of the Hongkong Censor has been the case of great inconvenience and loss to the firm above mentioned, I trust that such action as you may xe

deem best will be taken in the matter.

I have etc.. (Bd.) A. I. Carleton,

Vice-Consul in charge..