CO129-271 - Governor Sir Robinson - 1896 [1-4] — Page 553

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but recent occurrences have compelled the Local Committee to recognize the tendency, when treaties with Oriental nations are to be revised or regulations affecting trade are to be enacted, to ignore the opinions, founded upon extensive practical experience, of British subjects directly concerned; policy to be most deeply deplored because of the irreparable injuries which may be inflicted upon national interests, and the destruction of that implicit confidence which should exist between Her Majesty's Government and Her Majesty's people in whatever part of the world the latter may be. The Local Committee, therefore, with the knowledge that objections made after the fact has been accomplished have been disregarded on the ground that they came too late, have no hesitation in now placing upon record their warning against the damage that will bé inflicted upon British shipping in China if the Colonial Government of Hongkong persevere with the proposed ordinance.

Copies of this letter have been forwarded to Her Majesty's Chargé d'Affaires in Peking, to Sir William Robinson, the Governor of Hong- kong, and to the General Committee of the China Association in London.

The Local Committee have decided to appeal directly to you because a Reuter's telegram, dated London, 4th December, announces that you are desirous of receiving information on all matters relating tọ or affecting British trade.

I have the honour to be,

Sir,

Your most obedient servant,

W. H. TALBOT,

Honorary Secretary.

Sub-enclosure 2 to Enc. 5,

nos

Sir,

550

10613 RECE (REG 16 MAY 261

dung chàng

10th December, 1895

We have the honour to address

His Excellency the

Governor

al

the subject

of Chinese Emigration, in which brauch of the Colony's hade our firms interesteds,

ale

largely

It is currently reported, and we

believe on

good authority, that some

important changes in the Regulations governing

are about to be made

the

carrying

of passengers to and from the Treaty Ports of China, and emigration from Swator, Amoy and stoi how to Straits, etc., with the object of enforcing at the

above ports the same rules which are in

here. There

be briefly stated

voque

may