J
555
by, or on account of, firms on the Statutory Black List, would appeer to be the most convenient method of frustrating the hopes entertained by the Hamburg- America Line of the advantages which German trade would derive from the activities of the line.
As the possibility of obtaining American or Japanese coal would render the vessels independent of supplies of British bunkers, no pressure could well be exerted by means of the bunker policy; but it has been suggested that the desired result might be obtained by means of a threat to deny the vessels in question
access to Hong Kong, if such a step could be taken
without serious injury to the interests of that port.
It is hoped that the fear of the loss of business from
this important port of call as well as the prejudice
which such an interruption in their itinerary would be
likely to cause to the position of the line as com- pared with that of other companies, might be sufficient to induce them to give the desired undertaking to
respect the Statutory Black List.
.
Lord R. Cecil would be glad to be favoured at an early date with Mr.Secretary Bonar Lew's views as to whether it might be practicable, and if so desirabļe, to give effect to this proposal.
I am,
sir,
Your most obedient,
humble Servant.
Wranglem
+