FO371-23517 — Page 246

Page 246

}

So much from F 2906. It appears now that the

Chinese Merchants Steam Navigation Company have

instituted proceedings against the Cheng Kee Company

at Hong Kong. For the Chinese Government are afraid

that the six ships "are planning to transfer themselves

unauthorisedly to a foreign flag and to get under weigh

and to steal away from Hong Kong," which would be

illegal under Chinese law. They accordingly asked

the Hong Kong authorities to take active steps to

prevent the six ships leaving port.

Unfortunately,

-

4 of the

for the reasons set out in paragraphs 2

Governor's despatch, he is not in a position to do

more in this direction than to have the two ships

whose clearance has been debarred kept under constant

watch by police launch officers.

This measure would not appear to be very effective

presumably and, since we do not want the Japanese to get hold of

A

these ships, it would be useful if some reason could

be discovered enabling the Governor of Hong Kong to

take more effective steps to prevent their leaving

port.

The Colonial Office have lent us copies of the

two Merchant Shipping Ordinances referred to.

returned to Co. Lituary

((Legal Section)

ap.27

MJR Talbot

Mr Fitzmaurice for observations.

22nd April 1939.

It seems to me that the Hong Kong authorities

have already done all that can reasonably be expected

of them in the matter of making it difficult for these

ships to leave. I do not see how they can now be

Leaning

prevented from doing unless there are ordinary

T

Page 246

legal...

(

Page 246

Page 246