CO129-438 - Public Offices - 1916 — Page 192

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Any further communication should be idressed to:-

THE ASSISTANT SECRETARY,

(MARINE DEPARTMENT}, And the following letter and number should be quoted-

M.

14176.

Telegraphic Address.

BOARD TRADE, MARINE,

LONDON.

3 c 186

BOARD OF TRADE,

REG

¿ ö 30494

REG 28 JUN 16

(MARINE DEPARTMENT),

7, WHITEHALL GARDENS,

LONDON, S.W.

27th June, 1916.

Sir,

I am directed by the Board of Trade to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 10th May (No220272/16) respecting the increase by the China & Japan Homeward Freight Conference of freight rates on articles of luxury imported from the East.

In reply I am to enclose, for the information of Mr. Secretary Bonar Law, a copy of correspondence which has passed between the Board and the Secretary of the Conference in London.

The action of the Conference appears to have been taken on the initiative of the Lines themselves, and may result in the utilization of cargo space to better advantage in the carriage of necessary articles. Board realize that the interests of exporters in the Far

The East and importers in this country are substantially affected and that the articles of luxury may continue to come at the higher rates charged, but they do not con- sider that they can usefully intervene.

The Under Secretary of State,

Colonial Office,

S. W.

I have the honour to be,

Sir,

Your obedient Servant,

Clipal

J