CO129-442 - Governor Sir May - 1917 [4-6] — Page 86

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PARAPHRASE TELEGRAM

The Governor of Hong Kong to the Secretary of State for the Colonies.

(Received Colonial Office, 3 p.m. 19th April, 1917.)

Have been asked by Commander-in-Chief to furnish an estimate of the number of British ships necessary to meet vital requirements of Port of Hong Kong. It is difficult without consulting expert shipping opinion to give reliable estimate for this port, which really is only a port on the coast of China and the centre of distribution for South

China. Further if ships are to be requisitioned for Colony's requirements, I must appoint a shipping Board for management of them. I must therefore ask

for instructions as to what is desired and whether

shipping firms may be consulted.

MAY.

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