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surcharge proves to be insufficient, it could be increased to cover the necessary expenditure.
My Committee would further suggest that as the rate for telegrams to China is so exceedingly heavy, while the use of public codes doubles and often trebles the cost, messages compiled from public codes combined with plain English, should be accepted on the same terms and at the same rates as deferred telegrams are at present, and also that messages be accepted at "week-end" rates on the same terms as before the war. It may be pointed out that the rate for telegrams from Yokohama to Petrograd is about 7. per word, and from Petrograd to Loudon abont éd. per word, while from Shanghai to London, which is about the same distance, the rate is 33. 6d. per word.
In conclusion, my Committee hope that the Secretary of State will use his influence with the War Office to remove the exceedingly onerous burdens on British trade with China with as little delay as possible. They respectfully venture to suggest that the telegraph regulations are unnecessarily restricted, and that amendment in the direction indicated above is urgently called for.
H.M. Under Secretary of State
for Foreign Affairs,
Foreign Office.
I have, &c.,
(Signed) F. ANDERSON,
Chairman.
NOTE-A very similar letter to the above was addres-ed to the Chief Censor at the War Office. Replies were received during March from both the War Office and Foreign Office, but being confidential cannot be published: it may be added, however, that explanations were given why the suggestions offered by the Association could not be carried out. The Committee considered it inexpedient to pursue the question further.
As indicated in my message two alternatives suggest themselves, one is to obtain permission to adopt a freer use of cyphers, or, should this prove impossible, then to endeavour to secure a reduction in cable rates.
Very strong views are entertained hero that the Cable Companies should do their part in assisting to meet the difficulties of conducting commerce under abnormal conditions created by the war, and that it is not fitting that the latter abould be made a source of increased revenue at the expense of trade generally.
My Committee trust to hear that your Committee have seen their way to make representations in the proper quarter, and that they will be attended with success.
H. C. Wilcox, Esq.,
I aru, &c.,
(Signed) L. N. LEEFE,
Hon. Secretary.
Secretary, China Association, London.
NOTE.-The reply detailed the steps the Committee thought it desirable to take and copies of correspondence and of the Chairman's interview with the Traffic Accoun- tant of the Cable Companies were sent. It was also pointed out that there had been
no desire on the part of the Cable Companies to take advantage of the situation and increase revenue at the expense of trade, and that the refusal to accept deferred rates was a temporary expedient to enable them to cope with the enormous amount of Government work.
DEAR SIR,
China Association, Hongkong, to General Committee, London.
TELEGRAPH RATES.
Hongkong, 17th September, 1914.
I confirm the following telegram sent you on the 15th instant :-
"Unless modified use of cypher messages can be authorised strongly urge
"Cable companies be pressed to reduce rates. This view expressed by Hong-
E
kong Government to Home Government and should receive active support "China Association."
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