3.
152 END
ties; and (c) to direct the Hankow and Tientsin
Bankers' Associations to follow the same method of
procedure. This Ministry has now the honour to
request the matter be taken up at an early date with
the British Embassy with a view to its being brought
to the notiee of the Government of Hongkong and their
assistance invoked".
The communication adds that "in future, when
Chinese citizens there (1.e. at Hongkong) annly for
permission to establish banks and effect registration
of the same, a close investigation must be made before
the application is granted. As for banks contemplating
the establishment of branches on Chinese territory, they
should be directed to comply with Chinese laws and
regulations and apply to this Ministry for approval before
they may carry on business. Financial credit in the
commercial centres of China and in Hongkong alike will
certainly benefit thereby".
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs have the honour
to request that His Majesty's Embassy will refer the
matter (to the Government of Hongkong), so that, by
collective action, the money market may be stabilised
and creditors' legitimate rights and interests safe-
guarded.
Stamp of Ministry of Foreign Affairs.