CO129-439 - Others - 1916 — Page 146

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having been violated seems to the Postmaster General to rule out any likelihood that the covers were tampered with, for if it be assumed that so much cunning and ingenuity were exercised in tampering with the mails and the outer covers that no

visible signs were left of the operation, it is hardly likely that the inside covers would be clumsily opened and left open to excite suspicion.

The information desired as to times of transit is as

follows:-

London to Shanghai viâ Suez

London to Shanghai viâ Siberia

36 to 40 days.

26 to 30 days.

These are the actual times in present conditions; and as

correspondence for Weihaiwei passes through Shanghai whether

sent viâ Suez or viâ Siberia the difference in favour of the

latter route is 10 days.

The times for Hong Kong are:-

Via Siberia

Viâ Suez

28 to 37 days.

31 to 35 days.

It should perhaps be remarked that the risk of loss is possibly greater at present in the case of correspondence sent by the longer sea journey viâ Suez,

Letters for Weihaiwei and Hong Kong intended to be diverted from the usual route and sent via Suez should be plainly

marked "Viê Suez".

I a

Sir,

Your obedient Servant,

E.W. Parall