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It is quite certain, that, if the proposed regulations are
enacted, they will be enforced by British Officials and con-
formed to by British ship-owners, but that they will be evaded
with varying degrees of laxity by others, with the result of
transferring to other flags an important branch of the local
trade; for nothing is more certain than that the Chinese, for
avoud whose benefit the change is presumably to be made, would desert
ships subjected to delays and inspections and restrictions
which they detest.
The Association cannot therefore but view with regret an
altitude, on the part of the Hong Kong Government, which they
conceive to be as unnecessary as it is antagonistic to British
interests, and to lack the sympathy of Her Majesty's Consuls,
who have daily opportunity of perceiving the conditions of the
traffic.
K
Trusting that the reasons given will be held to justify
the protest they are designed to sustain.
I have the honour to be,
Sir,
Your obedient servant,
Rehunder
Hon.Secretary China Asociation.
COPY OF TELEGRAM:
HONG KONG, 21st January, 1896.
We fully confirm Shanghai letter regarding Regulations for passengers per British ships, and request you to do all you can to prevent British shipping being handicapped by re- strictions that would be inoperative in regard to ships of
other nations.
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