CO129-574-9 Provincial Bank of Fubien- establishment of branch in Hong Kong 1-10-1938 - 28-1-1939 — Page 26

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5.

- 2 -

If you agree in principle that the position is as outlined in the foregoing paragraphs, I should be obliged if strong representations could be made to the Chinese Authorities in order to restrain such bodies as the Provincial Bank of Fukien from competing with ordinary businesses in this Colony.

6.

A case

involving a question of contract

between a Chinese Government Institution and a local firm is now before the courts, and while I cannot of course say what the decision of the court may be, it seems likely that if the Institution claims immunity from the jurisdiction that claim will succeed and the local firm will have no redress except perhaps by

memorial addressed to the Chinese Government.

7.

In view of the present disturbed condition of China, it is more than probable that there will be other cases of the kind, especially perhaps in the case of a bank doing business in this Colony, and I should therefore be grateful if this matter might be treated

as urgent.

I have the honour to be,

Sir,

Your most obedient, humble servant,

to

a.s. hatin

Governor.