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GENERAL ELECTRIC CO., LTD.
CONTINUATION NO.. ..Z.............
It seems very desirable therefore that a commercial treaty should be negotiated with the Chinese Government regulating the Customs relationship between the Colony of Hong Kong and China proper; and aiming at the free interchange of both manufactured goods and primary imports. It would clearly be necessary to reimburse the Chinese Government for their loss of customs revenue, though the Colony would obtain substantial funds from the duties on all goods and materials absorbed within the Colony.
The adoption of a general customs tariff for Hong Kong should not have any adverse effect either on the trade of the Colony or or on British trade with China, though it would undoubtedly be unpopular with a section of the British trading community of Hong Kong.!
It would certainly be welcomed by the Chinese Government for many reasons, and especially as it would remove the old-standing suspicion that Hong Kong was used as a base for the smuggling of goods into China.
Simultaneously with the negotiation of the suggested commercial traaty, opportunity might be taken to arrange for the tenure of the "New Territories" on a more permanent basis. The term of the existing lease does not offer encouragement to the expenditure of large amounts of capital on industrial enterprise on the mainland.
There is at the present time an intensely nationalistic feeling amongst all sections of the Chinese, and a patriotic fervour for the Sovereign Rights of China. His Majesty's Government are well aware of the present trend of Chinese thought and aspirations.
Nevertheless the approaching victory of the United Nations over the Japanese would appear to offer a favourable background for the conclusion of these very desirable and very necessary treaties regarding the future of Hong Kong.
The views and suggestions expressed in this letter are offered as the result of many years experience of British trade in Hong Kong and China, and with the most earnest desire to see Hong Kong again become one of the world's greatest shipping ports.
Finally the writer desires to state that these views are entirely personal, and do not necessarily represent the opinions held by the Directors of the General Electric Co.Ltd.
I am, Sir, yours faithfully
M. Raworth.
From
Mr.A.B.Raworth M.I.E.E.
The General Electric Co.Ltd.
London.
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