19
2.
On preliminary consideration I
was inclined to the opinion that it was
unlikely that any arrangement of this kind
could be devised which would be of value to
Hong Kong. I enclose for your information
a copy of a note prepared in the Colonial
views fammed
Office setting out the conei
which
grose on first consideration of the matter.
On the basis of present information I am
in substantial agreement with the conclusions
of this note.
3.
Certain considerations have,
however, been urged in favour of a Customs
union ar rangement as against the arguments
put forward in the enclosed note. In the
beu
first place it has suggested that some of
the objections to a Customs union from the
point of viewof Hong Kong would be removed
if it were possible to devise free port
facilities for the convenience of such
part of Hong Kong's trade as was not
ultimately