CO129-613-4 Transfer of registration of China Companies from the United Kingdom to Hong Kong 16-4-1946 - 3-2-1948 — Page 23

JD.

With the compliments of Captain Knox

Copies sent to Accts. (v) v.D.22.

O.F.23/11/1

TREASURY CHAMBERS

59

23

17th November, 1947.

Dear Scott,

We have given sympathetic consideration to the question of waiving the usual fees for depositing papers at H.M.Consulates

(33) in China which was raised in F.0. official letter of 6th August

to Colonial Office and to which you referred again in letters of

(52) 3rd October and 10th November to us.

A

(56)

Undoubtedly the commercial firms concerned will derive considerable benefit and some additional work will be thrown on Consular staffs. But on the other hand we admit that the scheme is advantageous to H. 1. G. and we are most reluctant to give any impression of harsh treatment to these British firms in their present difficult circumstances. The precedents quoted in your letter of 10th November are certainly relevant.

It has therefore been decided that these fees may be waived in these special circumstances.

I am sending copies of this reply to Palmer at Colonial Office and Miss Wack at Board of Trade.

A.L. Scott Esq.,

Foreign Office

3.W.1.

Yours sincerely,

J.N. Knox (Capt. R.N. Retd)