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I take it that Leith Ross's appointment is
If this is so, the sooner he comes out the
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for the purpose of advising the British Government whether
it is a practicable proposition or not to assist China
financially.
better, indeed I'm not sure that it isn't too late already.
We were all very encouraged at the news of this appointment
for it does show that the Government are at last taking some
interest in this part of the world and if Leith Ross comes
out via Suez I sincerely trust that he will stop off for a
day or two here and let us give him such dope as we call,
Two weeks ago all the leading Hongkong
Commercial men went up to Canton at the Canton Government's
invitation on a so-called Goodwill Mission Pelham has no
doubt reported on it. They showed us nearly all the
Industrial Plants so far srected and I must say I was very
I have agreeably surprised at the progress made to date.
no doubt whatsoever that Canton's object was to satisfy us
that they were worthy of credit facilities.
Without Govern-
ment support, however, this is quite impossible except in
the case of big manufacturing concerns with large resources
behind them, I hope therefore the home authorities will
consider extending the export credit scheme to approved
enterprises in China, or else assist the financing in some
other way which will benefit British trade.
With kind regards,
Yours sincerely,
STANLEY H. DODWELL