CO129-446 - Others & Individuals - 1917 — Page 176

:

py further communication on this

et should be addressed to

The Secretary,

Ministry of Shipping,

St. James's Park,

London, S. W.,

the following number quoted. 72434

Sir,

MINISTRY OF SHIPPING,

May 1917.

23732

REC°

REG 8 MAY 17

174

Tw

With reference to your letter No. 20121 of the 27th April, I am directed by the Shipping Controller to state for the information of Mr, Secretary Long, that the suggestion to the Commander in Chief, China, that in requisitioning

vessels he was authorised to consider any requirements of the colonies which were absolutely vital, was not intended to lead him to take any action on his own initiative which was not absolutely needed in the interests of the colonies concerned.

In these circumstances, it is for the Governor of Hong Kong to decide whether any action is required to deal with the situation which may arise as a result of the requisition ing of British tonnage, and Sir J. Maclay has no desire to make any suggestions on this point. If, however, the Governor finds

功 it necessary to appeal for assistance to the Commander in Chief, the Controller has no objection to his taking whatever action he may think desirable to formulate a programme or to deal with any requisitioned ships placed at his disposal by the

Commander in Chief.

I am,

Sir your obedient Servant,

Chutuderson

he Under Secretary of State,

Colonial Office.