CO129-606-2 Treasury control over Hong Kong finances 22-1-1948 - 9-12-1948 — Page 4

9. J.I.C. Crombie (Joy)

3-5-48

10. J. F. C. Crombie (Jay) 11. J. I. b. brombie (Jay)

7-5-48

10-5-48

Mr. Palmer

I am anxious to know exactly what measure of control is exercised by the Treasury over Hong Kong at the present time, and whether this measure of control has, in fact, been defined or laid down in correspondence. If so, I should be most grateful if you could indicate to me where I can find it. If it is some thing vague like in "matters of importance", has a financial limit been set as to what constitutes a "matter of importance"? It seems to me that we are running the risk of wasting a lot of time in arguments with the Treasury over small things which are really of no importance in a Colony whose finances are of the order of Hong Kong's, but which might well be matters of importance in e.g. St. Helena, and I should like to get the

eth situation clarified with the Treasury if this has not already been done.

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