CO129-405 - Public Offices - 1913 — Page 80

!

ference to

up Para No.8.,

·

7.

79

I quite aree with this paragraph, but I would put

it the other way i.e. unless the British Section adopt

the attitude of co-operation there will be little like-

lihood of development of through traffic and I am in-

clined to characterise their present attitude as short

sighted and selfish.

"The fault lies in their making every effort, (as

evidenced by the joint working agreement) for division of

through traffic, the present negotiations for the divi-

sion of joint sectional fares, and their latest proposal,

to secure something to give them an immediate return on

the Capital cost of the British Section. This is im-

possible. There is little through traffic out of which

to make a profit even on the most favourable terms to

themselves.

"It can only be increased largely increased - by

entoring into severe competition with the excellent

steamor service between Canton and Hongkong. On the

present basis of division of through traffic receipts,

if competitive rates are entertained and put in force,

the