177
and (c) cheap freights. The Hongkong Government realises these
factors and can be relied upon never to lose sight of them. It has been the policy of the blony to keep the port as open and free
as possible.
6*
With regard to the question of Chinese produce I may say, in endorsing the Chamber's remarks, that this Government has been in frequent commication with the Imperial Institute on the subject and that it has appointed the Chamber's Secretary to advise it, in the capacity of Commercial Correspond-
-ent of the Board of Trade,
7.
The question of trade marks belonging to enemy firms has been the subject of correspondence. Any change of policy which commends itself to His Majesty's Government in the matter will no doubt be communicated to me.
8.
The Chamber refer next to the exclusion of
enemy subjects, the question with which, as regards German subjects at least, they appear to be principally concerned; and there is no doubt that their views on the subject have the strong support of the large majority of European residents, and perhaps of some of the Chinese Community. The very strong feeling which undoubtedly exists on the subject is due partly to the abhorrence of German methods of warfare and partly to objection to Germm methods of trading. Concerning the latter point the opinion of the representative of the Chamber as expressed in the Legislative Council, voicing as it does that of the British Commercial Com- -munity, will no doubt receive your most careful consideration; and, if any practicable means can be devised for insisting on the local import trade being conducted on a cash basis, this Govern- -ment is ready and willing to adopt it. But I cannot suggest any such means except by combination on the part of importers not to trade on the credit system. A subject not touched upon in moving the resolution in the Legislative Council but referred to at
some