CO129-438 - Public Offices - 1916 — Page 195

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With respect to the question of cargo from Japan, I have not yet received advice from our Conference Chairman there as to the articles which they have arranged to bring under the regulation but I expect to do so shortly as according to their last advices the matter was then receiv- ing their attention.

As to the prospect of the Japanese line adopting simi- lar action it is feared that, although their London Office suggested Co-operation with their British Colleagues, the Japanese Government may not be disposed to allow the line to take any steps which would tend to restrict exports from Japan. The British Lines, however, do not consider that this should prevent their taking action in the matter in respect of their vessels especially in view of the fact that the Japanese Government had not permitted the Nippon Yusen Kaisha to charge from Japanese ports the increased rates of freight which had hitherto been in operation by the non-Japanese lines.

I am,

Sir,

Your obedient Servant,

(Sgd.) J. MORTLEMAN.

Secretary,

Homeward Japan, China & Straits Conference.

(Copy) M.14175.

Sir,

Board of Trade,

(Marine Department),

7. Whitehall Gardens,

London, S.W.

6th June, 1916.

I am directed by the Board of Trade to thank you for your letter of 221 May respecting the increase of freight rates on certain articles of luxury imported from the Făr East.

The Board are not clear at whose instance the question of imposing these increased freight rates was taken up, or as to the reasons for this action, and they would be glad if you would favour them with information on these points.

I am,

Sir,

Your obedient Servant,

(Sgd.)

C. HIPWOOD.

The Assistant Secretary,

(Marine Department),

Board of Trade,

7, Whitehall Gardens,

S. W.

The Secretary,

Homeward Japan, China & Straits Conference.

8, Billiter Square,

E. C.

78.