CO129-319 - Governor Sir Blake - 1903 [10-11] — Page 17

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As you are aware, we were the pioneers of

the West River trade with Hongkong, but, to our regret, had to

retire from the contest and sell our vessels. The fact is, the West River trade is still in its infancy, and requires the most careful fostering and economy. You will therefore readily understand that British vessels, compelled to carry highly paid English Officers and Engineers, are heavily handicapped, and must eventually cease running altogether as the tonnage of

foreign flags multiply.

We are, however, prepared to re-enter the

West River trade, provided arrangements can be made to allow of

our doing so on terms of equality with foreign vessels. We would therefore appeal to His Excellency the Governor to be pleased to

sanction some arrangement suited to local requirements, and es-

pecially to the West River trade. Otherwise the British flag

will disappear altogether from the Hongkong and fuchow route,

a result deeply to be deplored, alike in the interests of

British trade generally and of the Colony in particular.

We have etc.,

(Sd.) Butterfield and Swire.

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