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Enclosure
17.
99
Hongkong General Chamber of Commṣroe
Hongkong 14th. May, 1917.
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I have the honour to acknowledge receipt of your letter No. 3456/1916 of 2nd. instant regarding the requisitioning of British Ships by Government.
While entirely in agreement with Government that in these times all other interests must be subordinated to those of the Empire, my Committee would beg leave to suggest in justice to merchants other than shipping Housse that a Local Advisory Committee might be elected to assist the Central Board in London in ite requirements so far as Hongkong and China Coast tonnage is concerned.
It would appear to my Committee that the day is fast approaching when only Japaneee, Dutch and American tonnage with perhaps the Canadian Dosan Services Ltd. Steamers whose freight capacity is small will be available on the berth, and naturally, preference in shipping facilities will be extended to Merchants of the same nationality as that of the Steamer, thus the British Merchante will be compelled to sit down and sce the efforts of years to build up a business pass into the hands of competitors, wherass with an Advisory Committee some measure of protection might reasonably be prooured.
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My Committee would be glad of a sympathetic consideration by the Government of this point of view and would much appreciate whatever représentations His Excellency the Governor may see fit to make to the Home Government with a view to the election of such a Committee as suggested.
.907erm60 to zednad) (avənət) zao1gao4
The Honourable
The Colonial Secretary.
I have &c.,
(sd.) A. R. Lowe,
Acting Seoretary.