f
+
? They might also by Bias
Ban
Macao.
NISH
The cock of deepenny Imantaning depth in complia
wth THC Wi be band Throw Bras Bay is in any case que graj fically, pointless Maleo's
Portuguese, 164
originalasset which is the basis
of its than assete
M24
8
to the development of railway and transport facilities
in the interior of China, which will result in the
increased use of Hong Kong as a transhipping port.
Major Manners Company is, in fact, anxious to begin
work on an extensive rebuilding programme of their
wharves which take most of the deep-sea passenger
traffic and handle much of the cargo of the port.7
In this connection, it is perhaps worthy of
mention that from time to time reports are received
of first of all Chinese, and latterly Japanese,
endeavours to develop Whampoa as a port for deep-sea
vessels to oust Hong Kong. But it is doubtful
+
whether Whampoa would ever constitute a serious menace
to Hong Kong, since it would be necessary to reproduce
artificially in Whampoa at almost prohibitive cost those
natural advantages which Hong Kong enjoys by virtue of
its geographical situation; and it is open to doubt
whether political considerations, however vigourously
pressed, could ever out-balance commercial consider-
ations of this order.
Finally, in recommending that the whole
question be investigated by an expert in port adminis-
tration accompanied by an experienced Harbour Engineer,
the Governor adds that in his view expense need not be
a consideration in this matter. This view is, I think
perfectly justified, even in present circumstances,
for it is true to say that the harbour, with its
attendant developments, is Hong Kong's only asset,
the proper
and private organisation and administration of the
port is therefore a matter of vital and over-riding
importance. For this reason I do not think that the
outbreak of war is an argument against the suggested
investigation
Pa
a
x
1
5/1/40
A
It was one of number which was found in Nov. to have been held up in the H.K. section of the Registry, lam afraid I had assured that it had been dealt with during
me
absence
leave in June.
NISA.
investigation by outside experts, for although the
existing pier licences are not due to expire for
ten years it is essential that a decision
regarding their future should be taken soon; for
as the Governor says, otherwise the harbour's
development will be seriously prejudiced.
It will presumably be necessary first
of all to consult the Board of Trade before an
official reply is sent to this despatch, but it is
important to avoid any further delay as this file
has already very unfortunately been held up for
some months. Mr. Gent has, however, sent to
Sir Geoffry Northcote a private letter of explanation
and apology.
? We should send the duplicate of this
despatch, together with enclosures in original for
perusal and return, to the Board of Trade saying
that the S. of S. is disposed to agree with the
Cownership
tcontrol
MS
Governor's suggestion that the problem of the
Erharbor facilities future administration/of the port of Hong Kong
is one that ought properly be investigated by
outside experts, but that before replying in this
sense to the Governor the S. of S. would be grateful
for any observations which the Board of Trade may
have to offer.
And say that the S. of S. withRd
X
appreciate a reply at the earliest possible moment
(we ought perhaps to add a word explaining that thu
despatch was unfortunately overlooked in the C.0.);
and meanwhile, since it is likely that Sir Geoffry
Northcote is from time to time asked whether any
progress has yet been made at this end, it would
perhaps make his position easier if we wrote s.o.
saying that the matter is now receiving attention
and that we are in consultation with the Board of
Trade.
A. N. Sulsworthy
30th November, 1939.
-
Pa