CO129-622-8 Pre-war claim on Admiralty for supply of flour 21-10-1949 - 9-3-1950 — Page 33

ROMIRALT

s.w

G.F.445/49

33

1) M2 Kishen 32.

M2_Kistners

2)452.

General Finance Branch,

Admiralty,

S.W.1.

November, 1949.

Dear Morgan,

5/1

I am writing with reference to the telegrams exchanged with Hong Kong about a contribution towards the cost of reinforcing the

(1) garrison there. In particular, telegram Mumber 1121 of 21st October,

1949, relating to objections by the Unofficial Members of the Hong Kong Government to consideration of any grant towards the cost of

the present emergency pending clearance of certain war time claims.

2.

I enclose for the information of your Department copies

of correspondence about the claim against the Admiralty, for flour, mentioned in paragraph 3 of that message.

3.

In dealing with this claim we had no desire to avoid in any respect liabilities which we may have incurred under agreements made before or during hostilities but were concerned with the fact that we had no evidence of delivery by Messrs. Dunbar of the quantity mentioned in the requisition and therefore of their entitlement to payment. As the evidence available seemed to show that we took delivery of 400 sacks only we offered to pay for this quantity. At no stage did the Hong Kong Government state specifically that they had taken delivery from the firm on our behalf. However, we are quite prepared to consider the matter further on receipt of full details of the basis on which the Hong Kong Goverment consider the Admiralty liable.

4.

I am not sure that the subject of this letter is strictly your concern. If not, I shall be grateful if you will forward it to the proper quarter.

5.

I am copying this letter to Hudspith, Treasury, (with enclosures) and to Hosie, Ministry of Defence.

J.C. Morgan, Esq.,

Defence Department, Colonial Office, Church House,

WESTMINSTER,

S.W.1.

Yours sincerely,

W.R. Darracott.