CO129-558-3 Levy on Salaries- petition from Chinese Civil Servants 3-1-1936 - 19-12-1936 — Page 77

爷

Ne. CONFIDENTIAL (2).

AIR MAIL.

23

34

771

77

GOVERNMENT HOUSE,

HONG KONG.

53707

5th November, 1936.

Sir,

I have the honour to refer to the third

paragraph of my confidential air mail despatch of 19th May, 1936, regarding relief in the case of officers

with certain sterling commitments. When this despatch

was written the value of the Hong Kong dollar

approximated so closely to 1/3, the rate at which it

is proposed to pay sterling salaries during the last

quarter of 1936, that it was felt to be unnecessary to

continue the concession beyond the end of September.

The rate has now fallen to 1/2.13/16, and I consider

that it will be equitable to continue the concession

until the end of the year.

2.

I propose, therefore, subject to your approval

and to the approval of the Finance Committee to introduce

into the Legislative Council a resolution providing for

the continuance of the relief for the months October,

November and December.

The total cost to Government is

estimated at $4,000. I shall be glad to receive your

approval, if granted, by telegraph.

I have the honour to be,

Sir,

Your most obedient, humble servant,

Caldecot

Governor, &c.

THE RIGHT HONOURABLE

W.G.A. ORMSBY-GORE, P.C., M.P.,