CO129-445 - Public Offices - 1917 — Page 290

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FOREIGN OFFICE, 8.W.1.

286

September 25th, 1917.

H

Sir:-

I am directed by Mr. Secretary Balfour to enclose herewith, copy of a despatch and its enclosures which have been received from His Majesty's Chargé d'Affaires at Peking regarding the formation of a Committee at Hongkong to control British shipping in Chinese waters.

It will be noted that the two British shipping companies interested in the China coast trade express serious apprehensions in regard to the damage to British shipping interests if the British coast trade is controlled from Hongkong, and Mr. Balfour desires to express the hope that serious consideration may be given to the representations of the two Companies concerned that they will be given ample opportunity of stating their views before any decision is taken in connection with the proposed new scheme.

cretary,

Ministry of Shipping, St. James' Park.

I am.

etc., (SD)

(Migned · W. Langley