CO129-478 - Public Offices & Others - 1922 — Page 170

of outgoings has been completed,

t

If a prior aesurance of repayment in the case of

the Hong Kong Government be insisted upon, I am to suggest

with reference to paragraph 4 of the letter under reply,

that the matter might be more promptly negotiated direct

by the Commodore at Hong Kong. In this connection I am to

invite attention to the fact that in view of the abnormal

circumstances and lack of definite information as to the

nature of the work performed by the Naval personnel, it

was proposed in Admiralty letter of the 5th instant to

reclaim all pay, etc., issued, as had been recommended by

the Commander in Chief, China, I am,

however, to point out

that under Article 1633 of the King's Regulations Extra Pay

only is recoverable in respect of work performed directly

for a dependant Government, and it transpires from advices

since received from the China Station that certain vessels

were manned with Naval crews at the direct request of the

Colonial Authorities in order that the food supply of Hong

Kong might be maintained,

If it proves to be the fact that some of the

work was performed directly for the Government, it is

accordingly proposed to reclaim the Extra Pay only.

In conclusion I am to request the, favour of

an early reply as it is desired to cable instructions to

the Commander in Chief as soon as possible.

$.15326.

sir,

Kay,

1922.

167

I have laid before the Lords Commissioners of His Majesty's Treasury Sir Charles Walker's letter of the 21st ultime, (Xo.10 X.F. (4)467/3362) further relative to the proposed payment of Extra Pay at double rates to Haval personnel lent to the Hong Kong Government and to private Firms at Hong Kong during the recent strika at that port.

My Lords cannot consider it satisfactory that this proposal should be submitted without any estimate of the expenditure involved or without information as to whether any agreement has been made with the Colonial Government of private owners to repay.

My Lords think that before payment of extra pay

is made the Lerda Commissioners of the Admiralty should obtain an assurance that repayment of the extra pay will be forthcoming at any rate in respect of the services rendered to the Hong Kong Government.

Should such an assurancs be received no regards

the Hong Kong Government Their Lordships sanction payment

I am, sir,

Your obedient Servant,

•

(Sd).CHARLES WALKER.

Cho Secretary,

Admiralty.

of