TT KLA
In view of the fact that a Conference of representatives of the United Kingdom, the Dominions and India--as foreshadowed by the Prime Minister recently- may at some future date be convened, it appears desirable to my Committee that application should be made by the Colonies to have their nominees present on that occasion. If this cannot be arranged the Colonies should at least have the right to send their representa- tives, elected by the Chambers of Commerce, home to advise the Secretary of State, who in the scheme outlined by the Prime Minister will represent the Colonies at the Con- ference.
My Committee also consider that the Colony should elect its own Member of the Imperial Parliament, and that the services of a Commercial Attaché to South China should be procured at an early date. This latter suggestion is one that has received great consideration from my Committee, who are satisfied of the necessity of having a Commercial Expert to assist in the future commercial development of the Colony and the Empire Trade generally.
The Honourable
Copy.
I have, &c.,
E. A. M. WILLIAMS,
Secretary.
The Colonial Secretary.
(Enclosure.)
NEW GOVERNMENT BUILDING,
DES VIEUX ROAD, HONGKONG, 21st March, 1916.
DEAR SIR,---I am to convey to you the thanks and appreciation of my Committee that you find yourself able to represent this Chamber in the Council of the British Imperial Council of Commerce in the place of the late Mr. E. A. HEWETT, C.M.G.
There will be, as you no doubt are aware, a Conference in London during the week commencing June 5th. 1916, to which all members of Council and certain special delegates from overseas will be invited.
The provisional programme embraces many important questions some of which deeply interest this Colony.
My Committee are fortunate in securing as the representative of this Chamber one who has such a first-hand knowledge of conditions of trade in Southern China.
The liberty is taken herein of indicating the trend of commercial thought as regards certain questions which will receive the attention of the coming Conference.
The expression "Commercial" in the preceding paragraph is used advisedly in that it is duly recognised that local trading interests must be subservient to Imperial Policy.
The Circular dated 30th December, 1915, announcing the Conference, suggests among other matters for consideration :--
1.--Fiscal Questions.
(a.) The adoption of the system of preferential tariffs within the Empire. This is a knotty problem as regards the Colony of Hongkong.
As you know, we are merely a depôt--a godown. Even a small tariff may give an undesirable filip to direct trading with other ports--may, indeed, encourage the establishment of a new port in Southern China to the detriment of Hongkong.
A tariff on foreign goods entering Hongkong would mean a double tax on the same goods entering China via this port.
Should we gain Imperially what we lost locally?