CO129-458 - Public Offices & Others - 1919 — Page 453

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CĄ MILNE

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CONFIDENTIAL

My lord,

Government House,

Hong Kong. 7th April, 1919.

439

With reference to my Confidential despatch of the 1st November, I have the honour to forward the en- closed copy of a report by Mr A.G.M.Fletcher, Acting Colonial Secretary and Chairman of the Shipping Control Committee, in connection with the termination of the Requisition Scheme operated by this Government.

2. Mr. Jong despatch No.252 of the 24th October, 1918, is dealt with in paragraphs 2 and 3 of the report, and in paragraphs 4 to 9 the question raised in Mr. Long's telegram of the 18th December is discussed at length .

3. I desire to endorse the remarks made in paragraph 15 and to add that the great success achieved and the amooth working of the local Requisition Scheme is in large measure due to the great ability displayed by Mr. Fletcher in tackling a difficult shipping problem of which he had had no previous experience. I cannot speak too highly of the tactful and considerate way in which he managed for many months to conciliate a body of shipowners whose interests were seriously injured by the control rendered necessary by war conditions.

4. I will address Your lordship further regarding the disposal of the money now in hand.

5. I would ask your permission to lay upon the table of the Legislative Council a general report covering

the

HE RIGHT HONOURABLE

VISCOUNT MILNER, G.C.B.,

&c..

&c.,

&c.