CO129-431 - Governor Sir May - 1916 [1-2] — Page 563

MA CONFIDENTIAL.

C

16.

550

GOVERNMENT HOUSE.

HONGKONG. 15th. February, 1916.

sir.

867歳

vernor's Despatch No. 380 of 29th.)

November, 1915.

Cor 34412

overnor's Despatch Confidential of

13th. December, 1915. cretary of State's Despatch No. 334)

of 14th. December, 1915.

E

L

With reference to the correspondence noted in

the margin, and to the connected telegraphic correspondence, I have the honour to inform you that there is a regular export trade in gold leaf to China, Siam, end Java, the gold being imported in the form of sovereigns or bars and being manufactured here into gold leaf. As it appears to me that refusal to allow exportation would merely tend to prevent gold from coming in to the Colony, and as there appears to be no local reason why permission should be refused, I propose to allow the exportation of gold leaf on a pre-war scale to White List Firms in China and Siam, and to unsuspected firms in Java. I am, however, reporting the matter to you in case there may be some Imperial considerations which would require the adoption of a different policy.

I have the honour to be,

sir,

Your most obedient,

humble servant,

E RIGHT HONOURABLE

ANDREW BONAR LAW, M.P.,

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Governor,&c..