CO129-532-8 Proposed transfer of Government Wireless services in Hong Kong to Imperial and International Communications- Ltd.... 19-12-1930 - 19-4-1932 — Page 167

The Under Secretary of State, Colonial Office

Three.

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This clause also refers to special reduced rates for Government telephone messages. In the case of Singapore it has been agreed that as this practice is not yet established, the question of reduced rates for Government telephone messages shall be optional and not compulsory so far as the Company is concerned. We therefore suggest the same amendment in this clause.

Article 12.

The expression "radio-electric services" to be substituted by "radiotelegraph services".

Article 13.

If it is possible, the Company would like to have some estimate of its liability under this Clause.

Article 14.

We suggest that the first part should read :

The Company shall forthwith give to the Postmaster General, Hong Kong, notice of any total interruption for a period exceeding twenty-four hours of all its systems of communication with any place.

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This clause also provides that the Government will normally receive press broadcast transmissions at its own stations. For the protection of the Company's commercial services, we suggest the following proviso should be added to this clause.

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Provided always that the Postmaster General will not permit the transmission or reception other- wise than by the Company of any news messages or other information for which payment is made so long as the Company is able and willing to undertake such services.

Article 19.

The terms of this article appear to be very wide and the Company suggests that its liability hereunder should be more clearly defined.

Article 26.

This clause is unusual and moreover, many of the provisions in the British Post Office Licence are not applicable in the case of Hong Kong. In the case of Singapore it is provided that the Governor will issue such licences as may be required to enable the Company to fulfil its obligations under the agreement, and it is suggested that a similar provision be made in the Hong Kong agreement.

We have not yet submitted the agreement to our Solicitors, but if the amendments suggested by us are agreed we will then request our Solicitors to revise the