CO129-443 - Governor Sir May - 1917 [7-9] — Page 167

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PARAPHRASE

TELEGRAM: From the Governor of HongKong to the Secretary

FER 13 JUL 17

State for the Colonies,

(Received Colonial Office 12.45 a.m. 13th July 1917.)

34551.

19

My telegram July 9th.

Am informed by

HongKong and Whampoa Dock Company that negotiations

with (?) Anglo-Saxon Company and for 3 8000 ton cargo

steamers through Comptroller Shipping have fallen

through. They are keenly disappointed, since your despatch December 2nd and subsequent correspondence

Slug cemq group omitted? induce)d them to hope to secure

some building for Government and prevented them

contracting for American Steel while it could still

be obtained. They have been also prevented from

accepting contracts for new ships from neutrals. Yard will be therefore without any building work. In these circumstances I venture to urge consultation with Comptroller with a view to place orders for some

procedure ships with this company and providing steel

for the purpове.

Admy Your telegram relative to wooden ships. Will telegraph 30892.

later. Fear supply of wood inadequate. Such work Shails would not interfere with steel building in any case.

MAY.

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