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4. I am further to invite attention to the fact that a
policy such as that now followed by the authorities in
Hongkong may well give rise to political and economic
repercussions of an unfortunate character. Concerns such as
the General Motors Corporation are in a position to exert
considerable influence upon the United States Government,
while the latter attach the utmost importance to the
maintenance and development of the valuable motor export trade
upon which now depends to a very large extent the prosperity
of one of the key industries of the United States.
5. Mr. Henderson is of opinion that the present policy
of the Hongkong police amounting as it does to a virtual
exclusion of American commercial chassis - would preclude His
Majesty's Government from replying effectively to any official
representations which might be addressed to them by the United
States Government with a view to remedying the present state
of affairs. In the existing political situation Mr.
Henderson would deprecate this dispute being allowed to
develop into a serious issue with the United States unless some
better defence of the British attitude is available than would
at present appear to be the case.
6. In the light of the above, I am to express the hope
that Lord Passfield may see his way to request the Governor of
Hongkong to reconsider the position described in His Excellency's confidential despatch of March 4th last, and to
explore the possibility of protecting the local motor-bus market by some other method than that employed at the present
time.
Trade.
7.
A copy of this letter is being sent to the Board of
I am,
Sir,
Your obedient Servant
RR
Vant,
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