Sonclosures.
27003 - 667
Harbour Department,
Hongkong, 18th April, 1907.
I have the honour to report as follows on the question of Shipping Rings and Conferences, as existing in this part of the World:-
II.
The replies to the questions formulated by the Royal Commission are as follows:-
(1). Are you aware of any combination, agreement, or understanding, among Shipping Companies carrying merchandise,
(a) between ports in the Colony under your Government?
Reply. No.
(b) between ports in the Colony under your Government and other ports in the British Empire?
Reply. Yes. There is a Conference of all regular lines trading from Japan, Hongkong, and China, to Great Britain and Europe (hereinafter referred to as the "London Conference"). A list of these lines will be found in the attached circular (enclosure "A"). There is also a Conference of three lines trading between this Colony and Australian Ports - the China Navigation Company, the Eastern and Australian