CO129-629-12 War Risk insurance- availability of contractors plant 1-2-1951 - 31-5-1951 — Page 36

OUTWARD TELEGRAM

FROM THE SECRETARY OF STATE FOR THE COLONIES

30

54510/51

Typex

TO HONG KONG (Sir A. Grantham)

Sent 29th March 1951. 23.15 hrs.

No. 429

Confidential.

Your telegram No. 212.

Netherlands Harbour Works Company.

I am advised that Lloyds do not (repeat not) insure against war risks and there is an international agreement among insurance companies to this effect. In the circumstances please clarify position regarding Harbour Works Co.'s existing insurance policy as presumably what Company wants is that Lloyds shall not, in the event of threat of war, withdraw cover already given under present policy.

I learn from Crown Agents that Consulting Engineers in Harbour Works have recently received requests from contractors for insertion of war risks clause in impending contracts for work in Far East and Australian areas. Such clauses inter alia relieve contractors, from liability for damage to works or property, whether of Government or of contractors.

Crown Agents think there may be U.K. firms interested in work in Hong Kong but specific proposals would have to be put them. They understand Messrs. George Wimpey & Co., operating from Singapore, are doing certain work in Hong Kong and have experience in airports and foundations for sea walls but not so much in dredging and that there are also American firms in Honolulu who might be able to take on the work. They warn, however, that search for alternative contractors would take considerable time.

Copies sent to:-

Ministry of Civil Aviation

#

n

Air Ministry

Treasury

H

Ħ

Board of Trade (Insurance

Companies Department)

Crown Agents

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Crown Agents for the Colonies.

Mr. W. C. Gawthorne

Registry Tels.

Mr. L. T. G. Sully Mr. D. F. Hubback

Mr. J. Wright

Mr. Foxlee