CO129-453 - Acting Governor Claud Severn - 1919 [1-3] — Page 104

TELEGRAM

C.O

5290-

From the Officer Administering the Government of Hong Kong to the Secretary of State for the 2dolomie

Dated 23rd January.

(Received Colonial Office 8.25 a.m. 24th January, 1919)

6.99. 99

98

With reference to my telegram 31st December owing to falling freight tariff and Japanese ships competition there is considerable unrest among owners of steamships under local control and it is very possible that in order to force Government's hand they will decline to continue to run vessels this Government will find great difficulty in taking over the vessels under full requisition I put at

full disposal of owners.

SEVERN.