CO129-571-18 League of Nations- medical aid for China and reduced cable rates 8-2-1938 - 30-1-1939 — Page 8

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See clause 7(3)

(2)

(3)

Nos. 18 and 20 are for information only,

and may be put by.

I have discussed No.17 with Mr. Bowyer.

While the F.0. are correct in stating that

according to the International Telecommunication

Convention, Government telegrams include those

originating with the Secretary General of the

League of Nations, they appear to be confusing the

issue in stating that this would accordingly entitle

League telegrams to "government rates". The

International Convention only states that priority

must be given to Government telegrams, and the rates

to be paid are a matter to be settled between the

various companies and governments concerned. In

the case of Hong Kong the agreement with Cable and

Wireless Limited prescribes for privileged rates to

be given only to telegrams sent on behalf of the

Colonial Government* H. M. G.

In our letter to Cable and Wireless we

asked them to accord to the telegrams from the

League of Nations Committee in Hong Kong "the same

treatment as is granted to telegrams sent on behalf

of the Government of Hong Kong", and though the

Company's reply is rather vaguely worded in stating

that the privilege of government rates will be

accorded to these telegrams, I think it is clear

that they mean they will be granted the reduced rates

accorded to Hong Kong telegrams. It is no doubt the

somewhat vague wording of this letter which has led

the F.0. astray, and I doubt if there is any reason

to audress either the Company or the Colonial

Government on the matter.

conson.

I submit draft reply to the F.0. for

P. Rogers

22. iv.38.