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8
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9. In order to preserve the previous
numbering, the former Article 10 has been transferred
to the place hitherto occupied by the article on salt.
A new Article 10 has been introduced at the instance
of British and Chinese merchants for the purpose of
assisting Hong Kong manufacturers, and after
consultation with British and Chinese merchants,
Article 9 has been entirely recast.
10.
The net result of these amendments is to
diminish the privileges for British trade sought to be obtained under Article 5, but to obtain compensation by the inclusion of privileges with respect to
Hong Kong manufactures and to the transit trade
through Hong Kong. I do not myself consider that the
quid pro quo now proposed is in any way excessive,
having regard to the very valuable and extra-ordinary privileges which it is proposed to give to the Chinese Maritime Customs, privileges which are fraught with an appreciable measure of risk to the administration of
this Colony. I am able to state definitely on behalf of the Hong Kong General Chamber of Commerce,
the Hong Kong Branch of the China Association and the
most representative Chinese merchants in Hong Kong that the agreement in the form in which it is now reprinted, is acceptable to them, and that they regard it as beneficial to the Colony. it is also in my opinion an agreement which it would be proper for the Hong Kong Government to conclude and which, if concluded in its present form, would facilitate trade and
commerce