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Communications on this subject should be addressed to-

THE UNDER SECRETARY OF STATE,

COLONIAL OFFICE,

NATIONAL

SCHEME

DISABLED

LONDON, S.W.1.

and the following

Number quoted: 54000/39.

No.339. 15th May, 39.

Sir,

F 5468

8 JUN 1939

Downing Street.

59

7 June, 1939.

I am directed by Mr.Secretary MacDonald to

transmit to you a copy of a despatch from the Governor of Hong Kong forwarding, for consideration, the draft of a Bill which it is proposed to introduce into the Hong Kong Legislative Council to amend the

Merchant Shipping Ordinance, 1899,

1899, and to state

that he will be glad to receive any observations that

Viscount Halifax may have to offer upon the matter. 2. A telegram has been received from the

Governor requesting to be notified of the Secretary of State's decision by telegraph as the Chinese Customs authorities are pressing for early assistance.

I am therefore to ask that a reply to this letter

may be furnished at the earliest possible moment.

3. A similar letter is being addressed to the

Board of Trade.

THE UNDER SECRETARY OF STATE,

FOREIGN OFFICE.

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I am,

Sir,

Your most obedient servant,

SELYENT.

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