CO129-457 - Public Offices - 1919 — Page 683

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British Colonial Government to put itself in the hands of one of

these firms. If any further proof of this were needed, I may mention that one of the most respected heads of import or export businesses in Saigon actually went so far, since the date of my

previous despatch, as to express to me his surprise that I had

not turned to my own profit such an opportunity, the like of

which I was unlikely ever to see again!

I am, however, only mentioning these facts to indicate how

much might have been paid by way of commission if the rice had

been purchased through a Saigon exporting firm, and do not sug-

gest that I should necessarily receive as high a commission as

24% on the large sums that will have passed through my hands

(about £700,000) in connection with the rice purchased by the

Government of Hongkong.

On the other hand the ordinary limit of £100 mentioned in

Foreign Office Circular 24463/16K of March 1st 1916 clearly

cannot have contemplated such large operations as have been

undertaken here, nor the responsibilities that have inevitably

arisen in connection therewith.

I have not touched on the disbursement by me on behalf of

the Government of the Straits Settlements of advances (amounting

to nearly $1,500,000 or £350,000) on the contracts transferred by

the Government of the Straits Settlements to the Government of

the Netherlands East Indies, which were due and had to be arrang-

ed before I effected the transfer of these contracts to the

Dutch Consul, as I fully recognise that no commission could be

asked for from a foreign Government. Nor have I applied for the

payment of any remuneration from the Government of the Straits

Settlements, who did not eventually take up any of the rice.

bought.

The/