CO129-430 - Others & Individuals - 1915 — Page 134

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The

posed of under another twelve months, and that the

liquidators have, in fact, been instructed not to hurry

the liquidation, so long as they have funds in hand.

impression in the Colony seems to be that these businasson

are to be kept alive until the war is over, and the GermanS

will thus be in a position, immediately they are released,

to resume operations. It seems scarcely probable that this

is the intention of the Hongkong Government, but I should be glad if you could assure me that there are no grounds for the impression that the instructions of the Colonial Office not

to hurry the liquidation have been given in the interests of

the German firms,

(3) It is further alleged that the liquidatoms ara

forbidden to dispose of trade marks and house property, etc.

but to confine their operations to the sale of stocks, Ky

members quite appreciate that there are good reasons for

treating trade marks and property in a different manner, but

in view of the action of the German Government in ignoring the

principles of international law, they are anxious to learn

whether the German firms in Hongkong are to receive that acn-

sideration to which, in other circumstances, they would be

entitled.

(4) I am also to draw your attention to the very earnest

request of the Hongkong Chamber of Commerce that the GermALITE

interned there should be removed from the Colony, as their

presence, besides being objectionable, enables them to carry

on intrigues against this country through Canton, and, being

on the spot, they will be in a position to resume business the

more easily, after the war, than would be the case if they were

transferred elsewhere.

(5) As evidence of the terms, favourable to the Germans,

on which the liquidation is being Johducted, I bare extrao ted