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On the other hand if an exception were made in our favour in a general scheme of Imperial preference, the import of foreign goods into other parts of the Empire viâ Hongkong, and duty free, would have to be guarded against.
(b.) The question of preferential trade relations between the British Empire
and allied nations.
If this resulted in Hongkong becoming a depôt for exports from China in order to qualify for preferential treatment it would largely increase our trade.
Would the Preference extend to shippers of all nationalities?
(e.) The measures which should be taken within the Empire against enemy
countries in respect of manufactured goods and shipping.
This chiefly concerns longkong as regards shipping, and being the last of a chain of British Ports it depends upon what is decided as a general British Policy. The more ships using the port the better for our local prosperity and taxes.
(1.) Measures against the dumping of enemy goods within the British Empire. This is a question of general policy throughout the Empire.
2.--Legislative Questions.
(a.) Amendment of the laws relating to nationalization.
It is hoped in future that the nationalization laws will be drawn up and adminis- tered on much stricter lines.
(b.) Compulsory registration of aliens throughout the Empire.
My Committee are in favour of the compulsory registration of aliens throughout the Empire.
(e.) The question of licences to trade and other regulations affecting foreign
firins and companies.
Foreign firms and companies should only be allowed to trade under licence.
(d.) The prohibition of contracts with aliens which may have the effect of restrain-
ing Imperial trade.
Generally in favour of this.
(e.) Reform of Patents and Designs and Trade Mark law, with the object of
establishing a uniform basis throughout the Empire.
Generally in favour of this.
(f.) The application of the principle of Imperial preference in taxation, and the adjustment of the present system by which double income tax is charged within the Empire.
As you know, no income tax is payable in Hongkong. It is recognised that the difficulties in the way of imposing such a tax on a Community mostly Chinese are pro- bably insuperable. To tax the small European population only would be iniquitous.” It is held that the Colony already bears a fair share of the Imperial burden in the form of the Military Contributions.
3.-Voluntary Action by Chamber of Commerce and Boards of Trade.
(a.) Limitation of Members of Chamber of Commerce, etc., to British-born sub-
jects.
There again we are peculiarly situated with a cosmopolitan trading population con- tributing to the prosperity of the port. However, the formation of a purely British Chamber has already been tentatively considered and if a general move were made in that direction we should probably take the necessary steps to follow suit.
(b.) Appointment of additional Trade Commissioners by the respective Govern-
ments of the Empire.
It is recognised that the British Consular service leaves much to be desired in its relation to the furthering of British Trade interests. There are some bright exceptions, but generally speaking the usual type of Consular Official is not sympathetic to the trader. It is not his fault. His training does not equip him with the trading instinct, if one may use the expression, and he cannot recognise openings for trade expansion.