CO129-424 - Governor Sir May - 1915 [9-10] — Page 311

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the fact at British Merchants have in the past so neglected the

export trade of China except in large staples such as tea and silk that it is very difficult to engage an Englishmen at the present time who has the requisite knowledge to prove a successful Buyer

of Chinese produce.

In my opinion the enterprise of a man like Mr. Hannibal who is a chrewd man of business is to be encouraged. But the Conference is throwing every obstacle in his way and having refused to carry his cargo even when purchased in Ilongkong by hita- -self they are now complaining of his shipping cargo by neutral stermers running to the Netherlands India and thence to Europe; and in certain quarters it is inferred that nis action in so doin

shows lack of bona fides.

I have the honour to be,

Sir,

Your most obedient,

huble servant,

An

Governor,&c..