256
from time to time to Treaty Ports in China" (stop) Governor
of Hongkong is not prepared to accede to this amendment (stop)
Article No. 10 relates to protection of duties manufactured
goods going into China on not less favourable terms than similar
goods manufactured in China (stop) Hongkong message ends.
Shanghai Chamber of Commerce and China Association
telegraph as follows:
Committee Chamber of Commerce and China
Association this Port of opinion there would be no reaction
detrimental to general British interests should China refuse to
accept Hongkong China Customs agreement (stop) Modification
Article No. 5 suggested by China would have reaction detrimental
to British interests in China (stop) While Article No. 10 is
of minor importance omission from Article No. 5 might be con-
sidered by China tantamount to acknowledgment of Chinese Govern-
ment as represented by Customs Administration had right to
function Hongkong on own terms (stop) Therefore Chamber of
Commerce supports draft agreement as forwarded from Hongkong to
Colonial Office Butterfield and Swire Dodwell and Co. Ltd.,
dissent from above Shanghai message ends (stop)