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to think that he might be open to criticism
on the Advisory Committee if Hong Kong
purchases are largely in excess of their
current requirements.
I pointed out, however, that the slump
in consumption is probably only temporary
and that if Hong Kong were to buy only their
current requirements the time might well
come when they would have to increase their
purchases again. I reminded Sir Malcolm
Delevingne that a situation of this sort
arose three or four years ago and required
a lot of explanation at Geneva, a thing
which we ought to avoid if possible. More-
over, with the annual reduction of Indian
exports, the amount that Hong Kong can buy
will, in any case, before very long fall
to the amount required for current
consumption.
In the light of these considerations
Sir Malcolm Delevingne was prepared not to
pursue the matter further.
At the second day's discussion Mr.
Walton explained that all that the India
Office had in mind was whether Hong Kong
was importing for re-export. (It will
be recalled that the Government of India
obtain from the importing Governments
a certificate to the effect that the
supplies are for the legitimate requirements
of the importing Government and are not for
re-export, ) I assured Mr. Walton that,
apart