CO129-438 - Public Offices - 1916 — Page 138

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Any further communication should be addressed to :-

THE ASSISTANT SECRETARY, (HARBOUR DEPARTMENT).

And the following letter and number should be quoted:-

H. 1947.

J

BOAR

Telegraphic Address.

BOARD TRADE, HARBOUR, LONDON,

C.O.

10584

Rec

BOARD OF TRADE,

TEGE MAR 16

(HARBOUR DEPARTMENT),

133

7, WHITEHALL GARDENS,

LONDON, S.W.

20th March, 1916.

Sir,

With reference to your letter of the 9th March (No.9833/16) transmitting a copy of a telegram from the Governor of Hong Kong respecting a proposal to increase the light dues in that Colony; I am directed by the Board

of Trade to state that they do not understand what is'

meant by the phrase "British and foreign ocean steamers

"not subject to Imperial War Tax", but that if the pro-

posal should be to charge increased dues on ships owned

by Companies not paying taxes in the United Kingdom the

matter would have to be considered in the light of the

Commercial Treaties extending to Hong Kong or to which Hong Kong has acceded.

The Board would suggest that Fr Secretary Bonar

Law should ask the Governor for an explanation of the

proposal.

The Under Secretary of State,

Colonial Office.

I have the honour to be,

Sir,

Your obedient Servant,

Event - J. Versprite