CO129-448 - Governor Sir May - 1918 [4-6] — Page 363

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Enclosure 4

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In reply please quote:-

No. 1 in 3456/16.

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34042

Colonial Secretaryls:Office,

Hongkong, 20th March, 1918.

1

I

5.

Hoje!

to F

sir,

Referring to my telegram of the 19th March,

I am directed to forward the enclosed copies of correspon- dence regarding the requisitioning of vessels by the local Government. No reply has as yet been received to the tele- gram of the 9th March.

2.

The circular letter of the 13th March, which was drafted by ir. Young and Mr. Sutherland and wes revised by the Attorney General, outlines the proposals of this Government. With regard to paragraphs 6 and 8 of the letter, it is intended that all rates shall be on a silver basis; and the sub-committee are about to make recommendations as to the amounts of such rates. I will address you further when these are settled.

3.

With regard to paragraph 15 of the letter it is anticipated that the owners will in every case accept the terme offered,

4.

I attach a revised list of the vessels which

are affected, fourteen in mumber.

5.

The 8.S."Wollowra" has been under requisition for some time past, at Blue Book rates, for the purpose of carrying coal for this Government. It is proposed that, wher the scheme is in operation, this vessel will come under it.

6.

It is the intention to bring the scheme into operation on the 15th April. It will be seen, from paragraph 16 of the circular letter, that the owners are to meet the Committee on the 28th March, and an interval is allowed for consideration of any questions that may then be raised.

lonel J. M. W. Thomson,

Delhi,

INDIA.

7.