346
Endlosure
THE HONGKONG WEEKLY PRESS AND
SHALL WE INVITE THE GERMANS TO RETURN?
CHAMBER OF COMMERCE RE-AFFIRM THE
COMMITTEE'S DECISION.
EXCEPTION TAKEN TO H.E. THE GOVERNOR'S REMARKS.
REMARKABLE SIGNS OF UNANIMITY.
There was a large and thoroughly re- presentative meeting of the Hongkong General Chamber of Commerce at the Chamber of Commerce Room yesterday, when certain resolutions were passed which directly concerned the question of the return of Germans to the Colony after the war, and also the remarks made by H.E, the Governor at the last meeting of the Legislative Council when replying to the motion proposed by the Hon. Mr. P. H. Holyoak in connection with the same subject. The Hon. Mr. P. H. Holyoak, Chairman of the Chamber of Commerce, presided, and he was sup- ported at the head of the room by the Chamber Committee, viz., Hon. Mr. E, Shellim, the Hon. Mr. C. E. Anton, Mr. E. V. D. Parr, Mr. C. Montague Ede, Mr. A. S. D. Cousland, Mr. A. O. Lang. Mr. G. T. Edkins, Mr. S. H. Dodwell, and Mr. N. J. Stabb. There were also present the following:
Sir C. P. Chater, C.M.G.; Mr. H. A. Cartwright, Mr. W. Dunbar, Mr. A. G. Gordon, Mr. R. Hancock, Mr. W. Logan, Hop. Mr. H. E. Pollock, K.C.; Mr. M. S Sassoon, Mr. M. P. Talati, A. B. The Swedish Trading Co., Ltd., (G. Ladin): Arculli Bros., (0. el Arculli); Asiatic Petroleum Co. Ltd., (W. H. Bell and W. Manning); The Bank Line, Limited, (T. A. Loughlin); The Bank of Taiwan (N. Yanagita); Banker & Com- pany (A Bryson); Banque de l'Indo- Chine, (L. Berindoague); Botelho Bros., (B. J. Botelho); Bradley & Co., Ltd., (F. C. Butcher); British American Tobacco Co., Ltd., (V. L. Fairley); Butterfeld & Swire (G. T. Edkins); Caldbeck, Margregor, (F. W. S. Evans); Canadian Pacific Ocean Services, Ltd., (J. H. Wallace); Cawasjee Pallanjee & Co. (R. B. Cooper); Carmichael & Clarke (J. B. Thomson); China and Japan Telephone and Electric Co., Ltd., (W. L. Carter); China Light and Power Co., Ltd., (T. Leeman); China Provident Loan and Mortgage Co., Ltd., (H. H. Tayler); China Fire Insurance Co., Ltd.. (C. H. P. Hay); China Sugar Refining Co., Ltd., (G. M. Shaw); China Mutual Life Insurance Co., Ltd., (B. W. Tape); Compagnie Des Messageries Maritimes, (P. Thomas): Connell Bros. (J. L. M. do Rozarió); David Sassoon Co., Ltd., (Hon. Mr. E. Shellim); S. J. David & Co., Ltd., (Archi- bald David and 0. I Ellis); Dodwell & Co., Ltd. (S. H. Dodwell); Dennys & Bowley, (F. B. L. Bowley); Donnelly & Whyte, (D. E. Donnelly); Douglas S.S. Co.. (H. P. White); Eastern Asbestos Co., (K. 8. Morrison); Fire Insurance Association of Hongkong. (E. A. M. Williams); Fung Tang, (C, M. S. Alves); The General Elecric Co. of China Ltd.. (A. Basil Raworth); Gibb, Livingston & Co., (A. O. Lang); Green Island Cement Co., Limited. Gilman & Co., Ltd. (W. L. Pattenden); (R. Henderson); Goddard & Douglas, (T. Arthur); A. & S. Hancock, (H. Han-
&
you.
S.
we
[April 27th. 1917.
no
The Hon. Mr. HOLTOAK, who was lond- ly applauded as he entered the room, and also when he rose to speak, said:- As it is past the hour for which this meeting was called I will proceed to ad- dress the meeting upon the subject for which you have been called together this afternoon. Briefly it is this.
That a resolution which was unanimously adopt- ed by your elected committee was rejected in the Legislative Council, and we have now brought it before the meeting to endorse OF not as Seoma fitting to
The resolution which T
have to propose. and which in substance is identically the same as that pro- posed in the Legislative Council in your name, is as follows:- It is the cock); W. A. Hannibal & Co., (W. A. opinion of the Chamber that it is in the Hannibal); Hongkong, Canton & Macau best interest of the Colony of Hongkong Steamboat Co., Ltd., (W. E. Clarke); that persons of German nationality Hongkong and China Gas Co., Ltd., should be excluded therefrom for a period (George Currie); Hongkong Electric Co., of at least ten years following the declara- Ltd., (F. Graham); Hongkong and Kow. tion of peace; and, that, subsequently. loon Wharf and Godown Co., Ltd., (W. they be only admitted into the Colony Now, gentle- S. Brown); Hongkong Rope Manufac under strict licence. turing Co., Ltd., (F.
contend that, speaking on J. Tavares); men, Hongkong
behalf of the Chamber, there was not the and Shanghai Banking Corporation (N. J. Stabb);
slightest need on the part of the Govern- Hong-
(Ap- kong Tramway Co., Ltd., (W. E. Ro- ment to debate this resolution.
It was largely academic, it berts); Hongkong and Whampoa Dock plause.) Co., Ltd., (R. M. Dyer); Hughes & did not seek legislation, it merely asked Hough, (T. F. Hough); W. G. Hum- that the considered, and carefully consi- phreys & Co., (W. M. Humphreys and W.dered, opinion of your elected Committee G Humphreys); J. D. Humphreys & Co., should be put before the authorities at (Henry Humphreys); J. D. Hutchison & Home, who are shortly to meet to con- Co., (T. E. Pearce); Holloway & Newall, sider this very question. We claim that (A. À, Claxton); S. C. Ismail & Co.,
we have a right to a voice, inasmuch as (S. E. Ismail); W. C. Jack & Co., Ltd., while the greater Colonies will be re- (W. Jack); Jardine, Matheson presented directly by their own repre- &
Ltd., (Hon. Mr.
Esentatives, we as a Crown Colony will be Anton): Johnson, Stokes & Master, represented by the Secretary of State for (H. J. Gedge); Kailan Mining Adminis- the Colonies, and therefore a direct pro- tration, (J. H. C. Goodban); Lane, Craw-nunication from this Chamber in ford & Co. (A, H. Skelton); Lowe, uncertain manner should be sent Home. Bingham & Matthews, (A. R. Lo) quite apart from Government despatches Linstead &. Davis,
(E
and recommendations which might not Maitland): Liverpool and London and Globe Insce.be known to us. Now, gel leinen, we fur. Co., Ltd., (J. de B. Lancaster); W. R. ther contend that this resolution of Eu Loxley & Co., (M. P. Beattie); Leigh never seriously discussed by the Govern- & Orange (A. E. Griffin and G. G.
ment in Council, and that His Excel- Wood); Macdonald & Co., (D. Mac-lency's speech, if it was not flippant in donald); Marine Insurance Association argument, was at any rate unfortunate, to of Hongkong, (S. J. Chinchen); Mer say the least of it, in its choice of langu- cantile Bank of India, Ltd., (C. Champ age. (Hear, hear.) It has been said, it kin and E. L. Sim); N. Mody & Co.,
was said in Council, that the appeal (H. K. Erani); N. S. Moses & Co., (N. made was largely one based on sentiment, S. Moses); Nestle's Anglo-Swiss Con- and was one which ignored economic densed Milk Co., (A. G. Coppin); New facts, In the first place, gentlemen, it Zealand Insurance Co., Ltd.,
(W is impossible in connection with this Sinclair); N. Y. K. (B Mori); Pa- war to ignore sentiment. (Applause.) baney & Co.. (A. B. Avasia); Patell & The entry of England into this war in Co., (M. J. Patell and N. B. Karanjia); the very first place was entirely and P. & O. 8, N. Co., (E. V. D. Parr); Pen- absolutely due to sentiment, namely, that treath & Co., (C. B. Brooke); Reiss & Co., we should fulfil our treaty obligations to (Hon. Mr. P. H Holyoak); Robert- the nation of Belgium. son, Wilson & Co., (G. H. Wilson); Alex. And, gentlemen, it is impossible to con- Ross & Co., (A. S. D. Cousland and D. ceive that as a result of this war senti- K. Moss); E. D. Sassoon & Co., (C. S. ment in connection with it will die down Gubbay); Shewan, Tomes & Co., (J. M. Gordon); H. Skott & Co., (G. E. Wetton): we cannot afford to ignore it.
for many years to come, and therefore (Ap- Soares & Co., (A. M. L. Soares; Standard plause.) You will notice that I am en- Oil Co., of New York, (W. D. Kraft); deavouring in presenting this case to Stewart Bros., E. Ormiston and H. B. L. present it without passion, and to deal Dowbiggin); H. Stephens & Co., (H. with it calmly and logically as it Stephens): The Texas Company (J. H. presents
itself Brister); Thomas Cook & Co., (J. Bent and as I trust it will appeal to you. Committee, ley); Union Insurance Society of Canton, I propose now to deal with the economic Ltd., (C. Montague Ede): United Asbes- argument toa Oriental Agency, Ltd., (A. Ritchie); we
which. it has been said. did not sufficiently dwell Union Trading Co., (S. M. Churn); Gentlemen, I really felt it was unneces- upon. Union Waterboat Co., Ltd., (G. Morton sary to argue it at length because the dis- Smith); Vacuum Oil Co., (C. C. Stark); closures in connection with the liquida- A. S. Watson Co., Ltd., (H. Humphreys): tions were such common property in this Wilkinson & Grist (C. E. H. Beavis); Colony that it did not seem necessary to Harry Wicking & Co., (A. Forbes); C. E. Warren & Co., (C. E. Warren); B.
argue them at length, but as it seems Monteith Webb & Co., (B. Monteith will proceed to do so.
desirable to speak more fully upon it I Webb); Yokohama Specie Bank, Ltd., speech that the return of the Germans I said in my (E. Ono); Yuen Hop Hong, (8. H. to Hongkong would be inimical to the Leung); and Mr. E, A. M. Williams interests of Hongkong. That is the basis (Secretary).
of our economic argument. (Ap-
to your
(Applause.)
same
to
were
to
209
349
8
April 27th, 1917.]
CHINA OVERLAND TRADE REPORT.
development any big commercial
come the expression of opinion of busi- plause.) I have no hesitation in saying or
nessmen of Hongkong, men,, gentlemen, that at least 60 per cent. of the German scheme. But if they were I have no hesi
who by their position show themselves trade in this Colony was done in British | tation in saying that if the British mer-
of this Colony allow them Eworthy successors to their great pre- cargo. Now, gentlemen, let us pause for chants
to do so it serves them right, and decessors. (Loud applause.) I think we a moment to consider what that means.
I
that Bay
I mean that if have a right to ask that our views should To all of us who are intimately acquainted when
we are not alive
the possibi- be transmitted Home. (Applause.) with the textile trade, and largely from my own practical and personal experi- lities of competition, and knowing well
The Hon, Sir PAUL CHATER- then said: we can meet them and overcome them, ence, it has been well known that there have been many occasions in the past then we shall deserve all the competition Gentlemen, while I y ld to none ir
If we ten years where Lancashire travellers in we may possibly have to meet.
my detestation and horror of the Ger do not work hand in hand with the this Colony have reported large sales to
mana and the unspeakable atrocities German firms when British merchants, Chinese Government in connection with who
the had precisely
cargo railway development between Swatow committed by that nation since the com- lying in
and their godowns
and Canton, and we allow other people
mencemen of the War, at the same time prepared to accept spot cash prices for to do it, then we deserve the competition. it, were unable to sell. And yet large In conclusion, and in putting this re- I cannot find myself in accord with the sales took place. Why ? Because the solution to you, I would say that the
suggestion that it is in the best inter- whole basis of the textile trade, and of question of a time limit of ten years, so
ests of the Colony of Hongkong that other trades in connection with German far as your Committee is concerned, business here, was built up upon a credit is merely an academic term for the sake
persons of German nationality should basis, for which the credit had to be of argument. When the resolution was kept revolving. Therefore, it did not proposed it was not proposed with the be excluded therefrom for a period of matter what the times were, whether they idea of carrying into effect any definite at least 10 years following the declara- sold at a loss or sold at a profit, it was action within this Colony. It was not tion of peace, and that subsequently they essential to them, in order to carry on understood that it should be so; it was
be admitted into the Colony under strict their trade not only to go on selling but, merely desired that an expression from the licence," save and except under condi- what was more material them, Colony should go to the Home Govern- tions which are, I am convinced, beyond to go on buying. That is a point ment for their consideration in connection the bound of practical politics, namely, wish to enforce and ask you to dwell with Imperial Legislation, and it was that the same stand be adopted and main- upon. I also wish to emphasise the point equally realised that whatever the Im-tained by all the Allies in the Far East- that British merchants of this Colony perial Authorities at Home might decide, France, Russia, Japan and most parti- were opposed in their trade by goods. this Colony would have to fall in with cularly China given these conditions, made by Lancashire firms, which were them, and would do so gladly. (Applause.) then I am with you. Except under these sold at a loss by Germans, and sold
But we did contend, and we do contend, conditions to exclude the Germans from merely to keep the credit revolving in that we have a perfect right to express our Colony would be merely to drive order to meet due bills. In de independently our views to the Imperial them to neighbouring trade centres, where fiance of obligations in connection
Authorities at Home on that very point. once established they would prove with trust deeds and bills. they mis- (Applause.) Further, I am prepared to serious menace to our welfare and trade applied funds which should have been
Bay in regard to the period of ten years (Voice-No, no.)-not to mention the loss used for paying off, without indefinite that if the meeting wish it we are prepar- of benefits to be derived from the use of delay, due bills, I say again, that thated to modify the resolution in that re- our Harbour by their shipping, and of sort of business was immoral from first spect so that it meets with general accept shipping under their control. (Voice-Rot. to last. (Applause.) I ask you, gentle. ance. We are most anxious that the They have no shipping. Who wrote it 1) men, whether you are prepared to admit views should go forward from this meet-
I deem it inexpedient that I should here back into your midst men who are pre-ing with positively and absolutely united mention in detail place where they could -pared to reconstitute this kind of busilion, if we can possibly eye to are texert and unless China sides with us) mess when, after auch pains and treme together in that connection. Gentlemen, so establish themselves in our immediate dous struggling, the trade of the Colony
I leave the resolution in your hands. neighbourhood. They must be as well- has once more been put upon a sound
known to you all as to me, but I shall be cash basis. (Voice-No.) And as I said (Applause.) in the Council, the condition of this The Hon. Mr. C. E. ANTON-Those of only too pleased to give my views in full to your Committee if and when they Colony to-day is healthier and sounder
you who read my speech at the Legiala- wish. It has been argued that with no than it has been for my years past.
tive Council may probably have recognis coaling facilities on the way Gerinan Allow them to come back and seek to
shipping will find a difficulty in reaching do trade, which from the very nature ed that I based my argument chiefly on
these distant waters, but can we for a terms of things they must offer on
sentimental grounds, not from the com- moment suppose that she will not find which no self-respecting British firm
means to overcome this difficulty? What would think of offering. I did mercial point of view, though I have my
about the use of oil fuel in place of coal! not speak of the wider credit system of
views on that. After all is said and It would be easy enough for steamers trade to which the Attorney-General
using oil to reach Dutch ports in the made reference. The trade in the Hinter done, we cannot guide our policy by a
East Indies and there replenish their land, where large Government and en- mere matter of pounds, shillings and stock for the further voyage to China, gineering contracts are concerned, and
I am aware that Russian ports in the North and Japan. pence. (Applause.) where there may be opposition to British firms, may have been allowed to lapse there are arguments, strong arguments, That China has at the moment broken on both sides of the question, and though, off diplomatic relations with Germany we somewhat, and we think it may be pos- sible that
have personally, I think we should combine all know, and I trust that the day is not British firms will to consider its development upon credit ourselves against German opposition of far distant when she will be numbered lines, with the assistance of the banks, any kind, yet at the same time I should amongst our Allies; but to imagine for a moment that when peace is established in order that the trade of the Hinterland like to hear further views expressed, as should be more widely pushed than it I am not a long resident here. That is all she will continue to decline to trade I have to say in seconding the resolution. with her is to my mind absurd. I have read that the German Concessions at has been in the past. It is true that in
Mr. E. V. D. PARR-Without trespass- Tientsin, Hankow and elsewhere, now the past we have left much of that trade, what we call border trade, to our Ger- ing upon the valuable time of the meet- being taken care of by China, will even- tually be handed back to her, and we man competitors. We have realised now that trade was done, and possibly a paying I would like to record my cordial know Germans to-day are tolerated and ing trade was done, and that it must be developed possibly on similar lines, but
trading in Shanghai. I maintain then to exclude them from this Colony only would be a suicidal policy. (Voice-No, no.) It may be said that we have got on very well and prospered without them during the war-granted but shall we not do so to a greater degree on their return! voice No.) Nor do I think we have much to fear for our trade from their competi tion for many years to come, particular- ly in view of the statement which has been put forward that they will have to compete without the banking and dis- count facilities in London which they
we shall endeavour to make them sounder. It was further hinted that if you did not allow the Germans to return to Hongkong it might lead to the develop ment of Swatow. Amoy and other outports with railway communication between those places and Canton, and possibly the development of other parts. Gentlemen, in the first place, I doubt very much whether for some years to come they will be financially in a posi- tion to finance any big railway scheme
support of the remarks of our worthy Chairman as regards this resolution, and to add that it might be considered a matter of common and ordinary precau- Gentlemen. We desire these senti- tion. ments to be sent home to the Home The Prime Minister, very Government. wisely, since the beginning of the war, has acted in consultation with the best technical and business brains of the coun- try-(applause)-and we are encouraged to think that his Government will wel