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COPY
Sir,
C. O
33984
REC REG 11 JUL 181
140
The Hongkong General Chamber of
Commerce.
Hongkong 16th April, 1918.
Mr. J. B. Sutter, New South Wales Commercial Com- missioner has recently addressed this Chamber on the subject of Alien Enemies mployed in Allied and Neutral firms in Asia, md for your information, I enclose copy of his letter dated 1st ultima.
My Committee have endeavoured since the early days of the Var to bring to the netice of the Government the advantages to be gained by fighting the Inemy from the economic side and Trading with the Enemy has new largely ceased. It would carry this iden to its finality if the Imperial Govern- ment through its Consuls could find out where Jamy subjects are being employed and place on the Black Met the names of such Firma or Companies the mpley Alien Enony Subjects. The stoppage of employment to such subjects would, it is belie- -ved, quickly follow, and their return to trade even after the Tar made difficult.
As Mr. Sutter points out, it is obvious to anyone engaged in Commerce that the employment of Enemy Subjects in my capacity is really enabling them both directly and indirectly to carry on and hold their business connections not necessarily with Germany now, but with a view to retræs- -ferring these camections to Germany as soon as the Tar is
over.
The Honourable
The Colonial Secretary.