CO129-417 - Public Offices - 1914 — Page 438

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CONCLUSION.

Simon, the Attorney General, made in the House of Commɑ na on the 9th September last on the question of the desirabil- ity of permitting transactions by British Traders with

branches of German firma abroad. He said "The advantage accruing to our own trade by allowing ordinary dealings to continue was infinitely greater than any advantage which would accrue from stopping such trade".

We venture to suggest that the communications of

which we have been made aware by the Board of Trade imply

an inadequate view respecting British Companies' Agerties

in German hands. We would regard it as unfortunate if

the Board of Trade (to whom the British Commercial

community look for assistance) should give its support to

proposals which strike a blow at the universality of

British Insurance abroad and which would bring foreign

competition into a sphere in which Great Britain holds at

the present time a predominant position. We have dealt

with the matter simply from the stand-point of Japan and

Korea, but the principle involved is a far-reaching one.

Subject to National interests, we appeal to the Board of

Trade to use its influence on the side of the British Insurance Companies in their fight to maintain control of

the Insurance market in the East.

The Secretary,

Board of Trade,

Whitehall, S.T.

We are, Sir, Your obedient servants,

(signed) HUGH LEVIS.

(signed)

(signed)

London Manager, Liverpool & Londọn & Globe Insurance Company, Limited.

R. M'CONNELL,

Secretary in London, Royal Insurance

Company Limited.

F. WHITE.

Sub-Manager, Sun Insurance Office.

On behalf of the British Insurance Companies represented at the Board of Trade Meeting.