On the other hand, the type of man who would be really useful is he who can demand a higher scale of remuneration in actual commerce than a Government would perhaps be able to offer.
The appointment of such menu to suitable trading centres might make necessary an all round raising of Consular emoluments to level things.
If properly trained men were appointed the result would be undoubtedly beneficial, but the selection should be made by business men themselves. The choice by legal legislators would probably only mean an additional Imperial burden.
The Commercial Attaché of the present type would be of comparatively little value.
(e.) Encouragement of inter-Imperial trade exhibitions.
We are not in favour of local Exhibitions of British Manufactures which can be used to supply Eastern competitors with models for copying purpose.
(4.) The promotion of closer trade and social relations within the Empire and
in relation to allied countries..
A very worthy ideal.
I enclose for your information two letters recently addressed by this Chamber to the Hongkong Government. They give some indication of a feeling among the Mercantile Community of this port which is rapidly hardening and would appear to be shared by the British Merchants of other Far Eastern possessions.
My Committee leave the expression of their views to you in the fullest confidence that you will interpret them in the interests of the Empire as a whole, and this Colony in particular.
Yours faithfully,
(Sgd.)
E. A. M. WILLIAMS, Secretary.
C. H. Ross, Esq.,
Messrs. Matheson & Co., Ltd.,
3, Lombard Street, London, E.C.
No. 156.
GOVERNMENT HOUSE, HONGKONG, 10th May, 1917.
SIR,With reference to Mr. Bonar Law's circular despatch of the 25th September last, I have the honour to forward for your con- Letter of 8th January, 1917. sideration the enclosed copy of a letter from the Hongkong General
published above.
Chamber of Commerce, to whom that despatch was referred on the 20th of November last. On the 15th of March the despatch and the Chamber's letter were considered in Executive Council and it was agreed that the papers should be circulated, with the permission of the Chamber, among the Un-official Members of the Legislative Council with a request for an expression of their opinion; and that thereafter I should draft a despatch for the consideration of the Executive Council. The papers were so circulated on the 4th of April and were returned on the 12th of April. Mr. Holyoak minuted "I do not think anything can usefully be added to the Chamber of Commerce's replies". Mr. E. Shellim wrote “The Chamber of Commierce's letters "are in harmony with the views of business men in the Colony". Mr. H. E. Pollock, K.C., added "I agree with the views expressed in the "Chamber of Commerce's letter of 8th January, 1917, to the Colonial "Secretary" Messrs. Auton, Lau Chi-pak, and Wei Yuk, C'ALG., merely initialled the covering minute paper.
44
The Right Honourable
WALTER LONG, M.P.,
&c.,
&c.,
&c.