CO129-440 - Others & Individuals - 1916 — Page 796

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"Jam

BEG 260CT 16 placed orders for two ateamers (on behalf of the vián

Steam Navigation Co.) with the Hongkong & Whampoa Dock

Co. Ltd., Hongkong.

The construction of these vessels has proceeded,

but I have now advice that the Government of Hongkong

decline to allow the vessels to be completed for neutral

owners, and if the vessels are completed it must be for

British owners.

The interests of the Siam Steam Navigation Co. and

the Atraits Steamship Co. Ltd., are more or less identi-

ual;

my Company utilises the Siam vessels for Colonial

interport British trade when necessity arises, and since

my Company at commencement of the war took up the German Costal trade from Singapore, these Siamese vessels

have proved most useful to British interests owing to

the scarcity of British Tonnage in the Straits.

Having regard to the circumstances, I would ask if

the British Government will allow the completion of these

two steamere for the Siam Steam Navigation Co.Ltd., and

permit the material to go forward for their completion.

If the Government cannot agree to this, I suggest

that the Straits Steamship Co. Ltd., take over the con- tract and complete the vessels for themselves, if this course would meet with approval of the Government.

The ships are urgently required in the interests

of British Coast Shipping on the Malay Peninsula, ana I would respectfully commend the matter to your kind

attention.

"an at present home on law from Kurejafor

I have the honour to de,

Sir,

Your opedient Servant,

SK Somowill

Managing Director. STRAITS STEAMSHIP CO LTD.