FO371-27622 — Page 347

Page 347

Page 347

285

Page 347

2.

salvage pay, 1.8.. three times their normal pay. This proposal is concurred in for the passage to the port of destination, but it is considered that on arrival there, their pay should be adjusted to conform with local standards.

The men selected would perforce be married or single men who would be willing to travel unaccompanied by their dependants, and the question of these men being allowed in the country of destination will require further consideration.

STORES INMEDIATELY AVAILABLE FOR DESPATCH.

9. It was generally agreed that although large stocks are carried by the Dockyards to meet unknown requirements for urgent repairs, there are none available for immediate despatch. To do so would seriously interfere with war production in which the Colony is playing an increasingly important role.

10. The position as regards stores on deposit in godowns is being investigated as a result of the report forwarded in C. 3.0.38/6164/40. It is possible that this investigation will show that there are plant and stores available for export. PLANT IMMEDIATELY AVAILABLE FOR DESPATCH

11. The same conditions apply to the immediate despatch of plant as of stores, and here again there is none available from firas, but it is possible that some of the plant on deposit may be useful and obtainable.

13. A further report on this question will be forwarded when the investigations have been completed.

DEMOLITION OF PLANT AND STORES.

13. An outline scheme for the demolition of plant and stores on the Mainland is attached (Appendix B). details of the scheme are in preparation.

Full

The matter is being

dealt with by the Military Authorities except in the case of the Whampoa Dockyard where a scheme has been prepared by the Naval Authorities and demolition charges and wiring have been prepared. The latter scheme also provides for the evacuation to the Island of stores and materials that can be sent over in the time available.

14. The Committee agreed that there would be ample plant and stocks of repair materials left over for the Oolony's needs should the evacuation and demolition referred to above be successfully carried out.

COMPENSATION FOR, AND INSURANCE FOR, PLANT ETC. REMOVED.

15. The property contemplated to be removed or destroyed is almost entirely privately owed and, in the case of the Dook Company, the interests of this property which belongs to shareholders are protected by a Board of Directors. The most intricate questions of compensation will arise both for property saved and property destroyed – in such event as contemplated it is possible that records may be lost or destroyed - and question of war risk insurance will arise both for goods in transit and values destroyed. possible complication in the matter of compensation might A further arise when, if after the removal of plant had occurred, the aituation returned to normal. In this case the activities of the companies concerned would be retarded until their

machinery...

Page 347

Page 347