CO129-439 - Others - 1916 — Page 228

CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

HM/FLF

TELEGRAPHIC ADDRESS: "CONVENTION, CANNON, LONDON."

No 25132

TELEPHONE NO 7554-5-5 CITY

RECD 29 MAY 16

223

1, 2 & 3, OXFORD COURT & 97, CANNON STREET

LONDON, E.C.

26th May, 1916,

The Secretary,

Tar Trade Department,

Linen & Silk Committee,

16, Queen Anne's Gate, S.W.

1. Azk 2.Co

21

Sir,

I enclose copy of a telegram which we have received from the Hunghong Chamber of Commerce regarding which Mr. Frederick Anderson, the Chairman of the Far Eastern Section of this Chamber, has seen your Chairman today. You will see from the telegram that it is likely to be quite ineffectual if the British Government continue the prohibition of exports of Silk from Hongkong to America in view of the fact that the Chinese can divert shipments via Shanghai and Japan. While we should be glad if you could see your way to accede to the request contained in the telegram (which is supported not only by the Far Eastern Section of this Chamber but also by the China Association) for the withdrawal of the prohibition, nevertheless, if that is impracticable immediately, may we hope that you will take steps with the object of the Hongkong Government being authorised to issue permits providing adequate guarantees are given by the shippers that the Silk will not be transferred to enemy countries.

Yours faithfully,

Francis Mundy

Secretary,