CO885-(25-26) — Page 528

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PUBLIC RECORD OFFICE

Reference :-

CO.885/25

PUBLIC RECORD OFFICE, LONDON

ALLY WITHOUT PERMISSION OF THE BE REPRODUCED PHOTOGRAPHIC- COPYRIGHT PHOTOGRAPH-NOT TO

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(e) One proof of the hold that the Germans had on British trade in this Colony is to be found in the large number of British manufacturers represented by them.

(f) It is a generally known fact that German shipping lines are subsidized by Government, and it will possibly be remembered by some, if not all, that in the early days of the bid for Eastern trade these German lines indulged in the most frantic freight wars, so much so that eventually working arrangements were practically forced with British lines, and they were admitted into various conferences. Having achieved the purpose of being admitted into British combines, it was simplicity itself to develop their share of the trade. By placing high-class steamers on the various routes, and giving the usual careful attention to details of general requirements, especially in regard to passengers, they received considerable support from the travelling British public, both Govern- ment, private, and commercial, thus facilitating the commercial inter- course which became so pronounced.

We are of opinion that if our present enemies could re-establish them- selves in the Colony upon the old basis of freedom of action, the British merchant would have to share the trade which he has now owing to war conditions, but we greatly doubt if the economic conditions after the War will admit of their enjoying the same financial facilities as formerly obtained.

If the British manufacturer can be induced to confine his agencies to British houses and ship his goods in British steamers, the difficulties of enemy competitors re-establishing themselves in the Colony will be handicapped still further. It is also suggested that the British travelling public should be urged to confine their support to British and Allied lines, and that no Government official should be allowed to travel in any other than such vessels.

3. In reference to the mention of commercial banks in paragraph (d) above, our Committee have no authentic information on the subject of State-aided banking institutions, and consider that information of this nature can be best obtained at home. It is strongly recommended that no State-aided enemy financial houses be permitted to operate or have branches in the Colony.

(a) Large contracts are frequently lost to British industrialists owing to the disinclination of our financial institutions to advance upon contracts involving deferred payment, unless collateral security is offered--a facility which appears to have been accorded to our German rivals by their home banks.

(b) The British banks established in the Settlement largely confine them-

selves to exchange operations rather than commercial credits. (a) A better expression of opinion could perhaps be obtained from home merchants, but there is a distinct feeling locally of the want of a com- mercial bank such as the proposed British trade bank recommended by the home authorities.

4. During the course of the War considerable activity has been displayed by Japan and the United States of America to capture the trade formerly done in the Colony by our enemies, and they have succeeded in obtaining a footing in several articles in common demand.

The principal articles in which the Japanese operate are :—

(a) Matches:

(6) Enamelled ware;

Glassware and porcelain ware;

Cotton goods, especially towels, singlets, and buttons;

(e) Toys;

(Chemicals, drugs, and beer;

(g) Cement.

America is carrying on an advertising campaign, and has supplied comprehen- sive catalogues of its manufactures to the various consuls with a view to pushing trade.

5. Regarding the future action to be taken in the case of the Crown Colonies, it is suggested that if our present enemies are to be allowed to trade they should only do so under the following restrictions:-

(a) Under special licence of the local Governments, and be at all times subject to an adaptation of the laws controlling limited liability com- panies.

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(b) The turnover value of their trade to be subject to a tax.

(c) They shall not be allowed to become representative agents of British

manufactures or British commercial undertakings.

We emphasize the fact that a considerable proportion of the German and other enemy trade in this Colony was due to the many British representations held by them, and if our recommendation to confine British manufactures to British agents is given effect to it will be the means of dealing a very severe blow to enemy trade.

7. This Committee also submits the unsatisfactory state of the law in this Colony in regard to the "protection of trade-marks," and strongly recommends that effective measures be instituted at once in order to register trade-marks as is now done in England.

8. We desire further to place on record the difficulties experienced by merchants in this Colony owing to the lack of protection from the copying of trade-marks by certain other countries, and recommend that immediate steps be taken to remedy this handicap to British trade.

9. Trusting that the above views will prove of interest, and be of assistance to Government in arriving at a decision in the matter,

We have, &c.,

The Honourable

The Colonial Secretary,

Singapore, Straite Settlements.

17203

SIR,

No. 24.

BROWN, PHILLIPS, AND Stewart,

SIERRA LEONE.

THE SECRETARY OF STATE to THE GOVERNOR.

(No. 108.)

Secretaries.

Downing Street, 1st May, 1917.

I HAVE the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your despatch No. 58, of the 12th of March,* regarding property in palm kernels and the existence of a combine to regulate their price in Sierra Leone, and to inform you that I have read the despatch with interest.

24814

SIR,

No. 25. JAMAICA.

I have, &c.,

WALTER H. LONG.

THE GOVERNOR to THE SECRETARY OF STATE. (Received 14th May, 1917.)

(No. 147.)

King's House, Jamaica, 20th April, 1917. I HAVE the honour to refer to your predecessor's circular despatch of the 25th September last, in which my attention was invited to the recommendations of the Economic Conference of the Allies on the commercial and industrial policy to be adopted after the War and the measures to be taken to avoid any recurrence of the dangers to which the Empire has been exposed by the growth of German trade and influence within it, and in which I was asked for a statement of the views of this Government upon the recommendations of the Conference and upon the questions submitted to the committee which was appointed to consider the commercial and industrial policy of the United Kingdom with special reference to the conclusions of the Conference.

* No. 17.

+ No. 1.