CO129-539-13 Proposed transfer of Government Wireless Service to Imperial and International Communications Ltd. 11-4-1932 - 17-6-1933 — Page 48

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COPY FOR REGISTRATI

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1933

Telegram from the Governor of Hong Kong to the Secretary of State

for the Colonies.

Dated 3rd March. Received at 12-44pm

March 1933.

No 54 Confidential.

663!

32

Your telegram No 2 Confidential. I have laid

position confidentially before loading members of European Commercial Community who submit following resolution adopted unanimously."The representatives of the Chamber of Commerce consider it essential that the Government should, in the interests of the trade of the Colony and development of wireless communication in the Far East, break off negotiations with the merger company and retain wireless service in its om hands, proceeding as rapidly as possible with development in the Far East of wireless facilities, both in radio telegraphy and radio telephony". This resolution has been endorsed by Executive Council, Unofficial Mombora boing specially strong in opposition to further commitments with the Company, as likely to imperil the Colony's comercial position at a oritical time by withholding or delaying provision of most up to date comunications which may at any time be established in China where cable company's rights are already disputed and general consideration at underlying merger carry no weight. I am satisfied that proposed transfer would cause gravest dissatisfaction in the Colony. In these roumstances regret that I must repeat my request that Hong Kong released from negotiations and allowed free hand

negotiations for developments. Shall be prepared to reopen when future position is clearer.

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