(Copy) M.14175.
Ref. M.14175.
Sir,
8, Billiter Square,
London, E.C.
7th June, 1916.
190
In reply to your letter of yesterday I beg to inform you that action was taken in the matter in question upon the decision of the British Members of this Conference for the reason that as there was considerably more cargo offer- ing than there was tonnage available to carry it those Members considered that it would be in the national interest to restrict by the method adopted the volume of luxury and/ or unnecessary cargo and thus provide more room for the produce essential to the needs of the country.
(Sgd.)
I am,
Sir,
Your obedient Servant,
J. MORTLEMAN.
Secretary,
Homeward Japan, China & Straits Conference.
• Assistant Secretary,
(Marine Department),
Board of Trade,
7, Whitehall Gardens,
s. V.
S.