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trading with the Germans, I would say quite clearly when the resolution is put that my resolution deals more particu- that we are in favour of the motion which larly with the residence of Germans in has been proposed. (Applause.) I think this port. The question as to whether we it is very necessary that we, the business shall trade with Germany must, of course, men and public of this Colony, should Le bound up with the whole Imperial express our opinion on this subject in policy, which will be decided, I should view of the fact that our local Govern- imagine, on the grounds of preferential ment seems disposed, as regards this tariffs and on war tariffs against our mattor, to adopt the "Wait and See enemies for some years to come. (AP-attitude.
Gentlemen, We (Applause.) plause.) On these terms, no doubt, we do not wish to wait and see. (Applause.) are prepared to go on trading with Ger; This is an important place, and we want many in so far as it interests us, and in this matter to bold out a hand to those helps us, to do so. And, dealing also who, we believe, will think and act with with the most important question-that 09. (Loud applause.) This is a question of shipping-which has also been raised:
Shall we admit or re-admit German ship-upon which this Colony is so much stirred that we cannot remain mute. It was
ping to our ports? In the first place, stated recently in the Legislative Council if we are to adopt the "ton-for-ton policy which has righteously heen de- that the aim and object of every war is inanded as one of the conditions of a lasting peace, but, as my honourable settlement in this war-(applause)-it will be some years before we need serious ly consider the question of German ship ping. (Applause. When we have to con- sider it, it will be dealt with in con- sonance with the settled terms of our Allies after the war is won, and we shall fall into line with them. Without fur ther words, I leave the resolution with you, reminding you that it is merely advice which we are seeking to offer for guidance in a great Imperial question. We do not attempt in any way to dictate, but merely to advise, and in that sense, I am perfectly certain the Home Goy ernment will welcome the views of this Colony as a light towards the settlement of what may be perhaps a dark question. (Lond and continued applause.)
The Hon. Mr. H. E. POLLOCK, who was loudly applauded on rising to second the resolution, said:-I have very much pleasure in seconding the resolution which has been so eloquently proposed by my honourable colleague ou the Legislative Council. I think, gentlemen, we shall all be agreed that, upon a matter of this importance, it is advisable that the views of this Colony-this important outpost of Empire in the Far East should be expressed in clear and unmia- takeable terma (Applause.) It has been Baid that we cannot act in this matter without the co-operation of others, but I think before we offer to co-operate with others we ought to be quite clear and I think this meeting has shown it quite clearly, taken in conjunction with the meeting recently held by the Chamber of Commerce, or, if not, it will be shown
friend the mover of this resolution has pointed out, what reasonable hope is there for thinking. in view of the bar- barities committed by Germans in this war, the barbarities especially directed against British prisoners.of-war, that with the advent of peace there will be a magical change in the mind of the Ger- man people! (Applause.) Have we real- ly any good reason for supposing that there will be such a sudden change of view I think it is quite clear, as my hon. friend has pointed out, that the German people are thoroughly parmeated with the doctrine of world-power, and they are also thoroughly permeated with the idea that, in order to obtain world- domination, all means are lawful, all means may be employed. They say that war is war, and they mean by that that every kind of atrocity and barbarity may be employed in connection with war. Can we, then, hold cut the hand of friendship to them (Cries of "Never.") Are we prepared, after the war, to say to them: "Come back here, let us shako hands and let us do business." just the same as if there had been no war and as if these horrible barbarities had never been committed! (Cries of "No, no.") It has been alleged that arntiment is a blind guide. but gentlemen. just reflect upon this. If it had not been for senti- nor the ment neither Great Britain United States would of the present mo ment be at war. We came into this war and the United States "ame into this war- a matter of sentiment, and we are very proud that we did so. applause. We did so in order that we
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might honour our plighted word to Bel-not wish to record a silent vote. We have gium. (Applause.) We did so to show been moved by the very eloquent speeches that a treaty must not be treated as "a of the proposer and seconder of the re- mere serap of paper." (Applause.) solution, gentlemen whom I can claim Gentlemen, as has been pointed out in as my friends and whom I have known the letter which our Chairman has read, for a good number of years, and I am the Italian community in this Colony is sure that in putting other opinions be generally in sympathy with us in this fore you I shall not be injuring our movement, and I have no doubt that the friendship. (Hear, hear.) Mr. Holyoak other Allied nations will also be in has spoken in the hard note of passion. sympathy with us. (Applause.) I can- and I wish to introduce the softer note: not believe for one moment that they are of reason. Now, gentlemen, there were not equally as moved as ourselves with four points which were put forward by indignation at the barbaric crueltics the proposer of this motion. Ope was which have been inflicted by the German the question of sentiment. I will deal people in this present war. Gentlemen, with that last. Another was the suit- are we to cower down bafore the Gerability of the time for bringing forward mans and to say we are afraid that if the motion. Another, the practicability' they do not return to this Colony they of carrying this motion throughout the will take away the trade of this Colony Empire, and the fourth tenched on credit, (Cries of "No, no.") Are we not per- I am not a business man, but I think I fectly capable and competent to look after am right in saying that a great deal of ourselves (Applause.) Are those who those goods lying in Hongkong were will come back after peace is declared. owned by British merchants. Is that su perhaps badly maimed and wounded, are or not, Mr. Holyoak? Now it is up to they to come back to this Colony and see the British merchant at Home to say if a number of Germans walking about here he is going to allow his goods to be pursuing their peaceful avocations? handled in that fashion in the future. (Cries of No, no.") Such a thing can- and it is up to you as business, men here not be. (Loud applause.) What is our to call upon the Government to pass mission and duty! This war has shown legislation that goods cannot be dealt us that the Empire is united and indivi- with either by the British or by persons sible and as one in war. Let us show of other nationalities on these terms. that we are united and indivisible in That is legislation that can be called for pence also. (Applause.) Let us cultivate and can be passed. With regard to the our shipping and trade and commerce suitability of the time, well. we certainly between the different parts of our Em. have not quite got the Germans on the pire. (Applause.) Let that be the rus or at our feet, but thore is a great memorial which we lay humbly at the deal to be said for putting forward our feet of those who have fallen in his war, views, Therefore, the argument regard (Loud and prolonged applause.;
ing the unsuitability of the time need known throughout Germany that the not carry great weight. But if it gets settled view of the whole British Empire is that the Germans are to be kept within the confines of their continental boun- daries, it will stiffen their opposition and protract the war, (Laughter.) I put it forward to you as an argument that it would do this if they were in a position to continue the struggle. Would it be worth while to continue it in order to gain that end? Then we have practi- cability. Well, gentlemen, I do not know whether it is practicable. Of course, a great many look upon this as though we were passing a penal sentence of servitude for a certain period as punishment upon the Germans. Well. if we can do it as Tmpire as a whole and enforce the
The CHAIRMAN then announce that the meeting was open for discussion and Mr. A. H. Harris Commissioner of Chinese Customs, asked permission to speak.
This being readily granted, Mr. Harris made his way from the dress circle, where be was sitting, to the stage. He said I crave permission to make a few remarks before the resolution is put to the meeting, not because I think the re- marks that I make will have any in- finence on the decision of this meeting, but because I feel, as a resident in Hong- kong and having been invited to attend this meeting, that I owe it to myself and also to the views that I hold, and that are held by others, respectfully to place some of those views before you. I do
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