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BRITONS V. GERMANS IN CHINA
We have previously mentioned that it was impossible to ascertain whether direct subsidies were given to our enemies, but we now come to examine several curious cir- cumstances which prove beyond all doubt that they benefited by what may be described as indirect subsidies. It was found that in many cases the Germans obtained from the manufacturers of Dyes in Germany selling commissions as high as 10%. In every case the commission was exceedingly high, and although the writer knows of many instances where German Dye manufacturers have been approached by British merchants, such high commission was never offered for their services. Here is a case where Bri- tish merchants would have been only too glad to work for one half the profit Germans received, but their endeavours and offers were constantly refused or hindered in various ways.
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BRITONS V. GERMANS IN CHINA 27
Other German merchant houses received very large sums in commissions for conducting German and other shipping agencies. There is in itself no objection. to this many British firms also hold better and more valuable shipping agencies than ever the Germans could hope to aspire to; but a different complexion is put on matters when the profits derived from these lucrative agencies are simply used to do other trading on such outrageous terms, and at an actual loss, in order to keep others out of certain business by hook or crook. If this is not sub- sidised trade it is difficult to imagine what is.
The above are typical instances showing the general spirit which actuated the Germans in their trading. They could be multiplied and continued at length, but nothing would be gained thereby, as the books of nearly all the German firms have the same curious tale to tell. Some
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