CO129-447 - Governor Sir May - 1918 [1-3] — Page 223

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3 FEB 18

TELEGRAM from the Governor of Hong Kong to the

Secretary of State for the Colonies.

(Dated 17th February, 1918.)

(Received Colonial Office 11.50 a.m. 17th February, 1918)

Ino

50010

त

Straits

Your telegram 19th October 235 have

discussed with Thomson question of requisitioning ships and have made all preliminary arrangements with a view to starting scheme March 1st. I would be glad of your instructions on the following points (A) there are fourteen vessels in question nine registered duly at Hong Kong and five Shanghai I presume that Shanghai vessels should come under the scheme (B) I will ask that actual requisitioning should be done under neme of Shipping Controller by Commodore who has the necessary machinery (C) I suggest that profit if any should go to Imperial Government after payment of local expenses Imperial Government guaranteeing Colony against heavy loss (D) relying upon China Mutual Steam Navigation Company versus Maclay owners may refuse to work their ships in order to embarrass local Government in which event I propose to ask Jardine Matheson and Company and Butterfield Swire to work ships. (E) Will Imperial Government accept responsibility for war risk. Rates quoted locally high out of all proportion to present risk.

MAY.

日