CO129-427 - Public Offices - 1915 — Page 268

Confidential.

Memorandu..

German Trade in the Moro Frovince.

203

Before the outbreak of the war the carrying trade and the distribution of trade in the Loro Province was entirely in the hands of the Germans. Since the war British steamers have started

a service between Singapore and Zamboange via ports. The distribution of trade however still appears to remain in the hands of the German firms at Zamboanga except for some business done by the Swiss firm of Kuensle and Streif. The German firm in particular is Behn Heyer and Co. whose Head Office is at Singapore. After the outbreak of war the business done by this firm dwindled but some two months ap they seemed to be receiving goods as usual. From enquiries made at Zamboanga and Jolo they appear to be receiving goods from Singapore (at the present time principally rice, provisions, and piece goods) consigned to Chinese or through the Chinese Comprador on the British vessels plying from Singapore, It was of course impossible to confirm this at those ports but there seemed to be little doubt that the goods were coming in and being handed over to Behi Meyer and Co. The British agencies held by this firm have been withdrawn. I was unable to learn the names of any of the Chinese at Zamboange but at Jolo I learned privately that there was one Chinaman there who had until some three months ago been in financial difficulties but that, according to information re- ceived, this Chinaman had been sent for by Behn Meyer and Co. and had gone for them to Hong Kong.

This had been towards the end of December and he had re- turned at the end of January lest and on February

15th