CO129-449 - Governor Sir May & Acting Governor Claud Severn - 1918 [7-9] — Page 40

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Telegram. The Governor of Hong Kong to thereЛärj8j ↑

State for the Colonies.

(Received, Colonial Office, 12.55 p.m. 5th July, 1918).

Giv 27720

With reference to your telegram 22nd

June In view of high rent and cost of living Unofficial Members of Legislative Council press for allowances proposed in my telegram 5th June to be retained subject to proviso that total çı • annual allowance for any one man's dependents should not exceed nis average earnings for the 12 montus

I concur. prior to way 1st 1918.

I am strony of opinion that the allowances should not be extended to men who left Colony voluntarily under arrangements which at the time satisfied them. Between 400 and 500 men involved and Colony should not undertake financial responsibility. Unofficial mencers of Legislative Council concur. It is not possible yet to calculate cost of scheme which under our proposals would not be large. I shall be obliged for your earlyinstructions by cable as men are being calledup.

MAY.