CO129-443 - Governor Sir May - 1917 [7-9] — Page 72

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Enclosure

5.

4061

Colonial Secretary's Office,

(Pro 14 317

Hongkong, 12th. June, 1917.

COPY.

No. 3456/1916.

Sir,

661

I am directed to acknowledge the receipt of the report, dated the 6th. instant but which did not reich the Colonial Secretary's Office till the afternoon of the 9th. instant, on the subject of the vital trade requirements of the Colony and of the British tonnage necessary to meet

them.

I am to thank you and your colleagues for this interesting report which will have the Governor's careful

consideration.

It is noted that in the opinion of your

Committee no further tonnage should be withdrawn from the For Eastern trade with which this Colony is comected except in the prerest urgency; and I am to now enquire the views of your Committee on the subject of requisitioning the British tommage left to supply what your Committee consider the vital requirements of the Colony in order that it may be controlled

by the Goverment.

I am etc.,

(Sd.) M. Fletcher,

Colonial Secretary.

G. 7. Edkins, Esq.,

/ Messrs. Butterfield and Swire,

Hongkong.