CONFIDENTIAL
6.
(b) the Hong Kong Government itself becoming the importer.
(c) the Hong Kong Government guaranteeing prices.
(c) the Hong Kong Government undertaking to assume unsold
stocks in the event of China resuming supplies.
(e) the Hong Kong Government operating a stock pile in
HongKong or in
Australasia. This could be done by appointing a
commercial concern, chosen by tender to operate the
stockpile on Government's behalf. This would also ensure
a supply if China should cut off her supplies during the
Australasian close season.
On both a long term or a short term basis the United States
should be able to supply all Hong Kong's chicken requirements.
Freight
7.
In an emergency operation refrigerated shipping could be
diverted to Hong Kong (para.2 above). Nor should there be any
difficulty over long term supplies; if the cargo is available
shipping can be found.
8. Except in a crash operation where expense is immaterial, air
freight would be impractical and prohibitively costly. Sea freight
from Australasia to Hong Kong amounts to 3žd. per pound. Air freight,
even at special rates, is 2/- per pound.
CONFIDENTIAL