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is merely transhipment trade. In other cases is a distributing
Rea. 5 AR[5] trade the stocks for which are kept in Hongkong. Amongst these
articles may be mentioned, copra, fabrics for clothing, food-
-stuffs, hides, hemp cordage, lead, and mineral oils and motor
spirit. In most cases the current of this trade is one which flowe into China and Japan and the Philippine Islands through Hongkong and is not an outward current to Europe or America. An example of this is the large trade in mineral oils and motor spirit carried
on from Hongkong as a centre by the Asiatic Petroleum Company, the Standard Oil Company, the Vacuum Oil Company, and the Texas
Oil Company. In some cases the trade is largely in articles of
British manufacture such as that in Manchester and Bradford goods.
The Trade in such articles as hides and lead has been closely
scrutinised.
The stoppage of all this business would cause
grave dislocation of the local market, great inconvenience in
neighbouring countries, and serious interference with neutral
trade, and, so far as I can judge, does not seem to be demanded
by Imperial interests. I would therefore ask that I may be allowed
to continue to exercise my discretion with regard to exportation to
destinations other than what I have termed "neutral ports in
Europe".
5. I would also be glad of instructions as to
how to deal with the case of raw silk. Shipments of this commodity
to Marseilles by the steamers of the Messageries Maritimes have
been allowed.
I have the honour to be,
Sir,
Your most obedient,
humble servant,
4may
Governor, &c..