Di.
BL? 10. YANG Jou beatstukna al (90)
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Hongkong but for the protection of British interests in China and it would appear reasonable therefore
that the inhabitants of the Concessions who benefit
by the extra territorial rights possessed by His
Majesty's Government should contribute towards the cost of such protection.
At present, I understand, they pay
nothing in taxation except some trifling rates for
police and sanitary purposes, although the existence
of these concessions must involve His Majesty's Government in considerable expense in respect of Consular Courts etc. I am informed that American
citizens living in Shanghai and other settlements
pay income tax in the United States of America on
the incomes which they earn in these settlements and
even if it is not considered possible or desirable
to apply a similar rule to British subjects in the
Concessions in China, I would submit that they
might reasonably be called upon to pay some form of tax, the proceeds of which could be applied to the cost of maintaining the forces required for the protection of their interests.
I have the honour to be,
Sir,
Your most obedient humble servant,
7. e. Stubby
Governor &c.