To
566
less under Government control and patronage, and it is quite certain that if they agreed to the Regulations they would only do so for the purpose of damaging British shipping. Again, a large number of Norwegian steamers
now trade here, yet in the whole of China there is only
one official Norwegian Consul. No doubt there are at
most ports "mercantile" Consuls, members of firms engaged
in business, but it is quite certain they could not be
relied on to enforce Regulations; even had they the
necessary power, they would not have the inclination.
Until there exists at all Chinese ports a central
authority strong enough, and honest enough, to enforce
the Regulations upon all nationalities alike, we are
convinced that there is no chance of shipping other than
British being compelled to abide by them, and this will
act most disastrously to our interests.
In this proposed change those most deeply interested have not been consulted in any way, nor has any attempt been made to prove its necessity, and we most emphatically deny that any exists. The passenger trade
on the China Coast has been carried on in British ships
for many years, and the results, so far as safety is concerned, will compare most favourably with the results of
that carried on under the Hong Kong Ordinances.
If these Regulations are enacted, a fatal blow
will be struck against the supremacy of British shipping
in China waters.
the Chairman
The China Association
Shanghai.
Page 570
Page 571
To
566
less under Government control and patronage, and it is quite certain that if they agreed to the Regulations they would only do so for the purpose of damaging British shipping. Again, a large number of Norwegian steamers
now trade here, yet in the whole of China there is only
one official Norwegian Consul. No doubt there are at
most ports "herohant" Consuls, members of firms engaged
in business, but it is quite certain they could not be
relied on to enforce Regulations; even had they the
necessary power, they would not have the inclination.
Until there exists at all Chinese ports a central
authority strong enough, and honest enough, to enforce
the Regulations upon all nationalities alike, we are
convinced that there is no chance of shipping other than
British being compelled to abide by them, and this will
act most disastrously to our interests.
In this proposed change those mest deeply inter-
ested have not been consulted in any way, nor has any at-
tempt been made to prove its necessity, and we most
emphatically deny that any exists. The passenger trade
on the China Coast has been carried on in British ships
for many years, and the results, so far as safety is con-
cerned, will compare most favourably with the results of
that carried on under the Hong Kong Ordinances.
If these Regulations are enacted, a fatal blow
will be struck against the supremaoy of British shipping
in China waters.
the Chairman
The China Association
Shanghai.
Page 570Page 571
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