Separate.
Sir:-
51
C. J
0372
TREC
REG: 24 MAR 36,
December 16th, 1895.
question of the enforcement of the Chinese Passengers' Act at Chefoo he points out that it would tend to hamper British shipping so long as the vessels of other Treaty Powers are not subjected to similar regulations.
Since that time, as Mr Brenen observes, Japan has appeared as a possibly dangerous competitor in the coasting trade.
I have &c.,
(Signed)
W. Beauclerk.
Under the impression that the disadvantages under which British Shipping labours in China, would claim a share of my attention in the course of the enquiry into the condition of British trade which I have been commissioned to make, Messrs Butterfield and Swire, who do the largest coasting trade in China, have requested me to call attention to the injury their interests may suffer if effect is given to an ordinance which, they have reason to believe, is about to be enacted for the supervision of British passenger ships at Chinese ports
Messrs Butterfield and Swire represent that whereas the lot of the Chinese passenger will not be improved by the projected legislation, British Shipping will be handicapped vis-à-vis shipping under any other flag.
N. Beauclerk Esq.,
&c.,
In