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11.
12.
(1)
(2)
(3)
13.
Government which could, presumably, impose customs dues
upon all goods entering their territorial waters.
Chinese customs control.
Assuming for the sake of argument that in 1997 the whole
of the leased area were to revert to China the collection
of Chinese customs dues would become difficult, if not
impossible. It would, for example, be necessary for a
customs barrier to be established along the streets that would
divide British and Chinese territories. Politically and
administratively the situation thus created would be bound
to lead to incessant friction between the two administrations.
Production.
Food.
The Colony of Hong Kong is increasingly dependent for
its fresh vegetables and its fish supply upon the farmers and
fishermen of the mainland and neighbouring islands. The
productivity of both is, as yet, largely undeveloped and
could be greatly enlarged by proper instruction and demonstrat-
ion.
Milk and meat supplies could also be obtained in much
larger quantities from the leased areas by the same methods.
At the present time Hong Kong is much too dependent upon
Kwangtung Province for its meat and vegetables.
Forest Products.
These, though not commercially important, have a value
and in an emergency might be extremely useful.
Mining is of little importance at the present time.
Investment of capital.
Even with the expiry of the lease distant by sixty
years uncertainty as to the future is beginning to be
spoken of. As that date draws nearer its deterrent effect will grow rapidly. Nor is this true only of the leased
capital values in the Colony proper will inevitably
areas;