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[NWILLIW „K„A,E (58)
Copy.
Enclosure 3.
Memorandum on establishing Compulsory
Wireless on Steamers trading with Hongkong.
545
There are aspects other than those affecting shipping
in connection with this proposed introduction of compulsory wireless telegraphy for certain vessels in and out of Hongkong.
The Board of Trade apparently desire to set up as uniform
regulations in the matter as possible, but they and all concerned
should take into consideration that Kongkong is not a self-contain
-ed trading centre like the United Kingdom. Hongkong's large
shipping returns, and by far the greatest portion of its commerce
and various industries appertain to outside sources, and this new proposal raises the ever present principle and popular cry
of keeping the Port as free as possible.
It should be considered that the ships upon which it is
sought to apply the new regulation trade with foreign coaste
more than with Hongkong itself, and that their main source of
revenue comes from the foreign countries concerned, and that the
ships of other nationalities can ply in these trades without
necessarily touching at Hongkong. Further, that if such ships
other than British are not equipped with wireless they may not
come here for repairs and provisions if it suits them not to come
under the proposed Act. That is, of course, the old story of
diversion of trade to, say Shanghai or Canton when irksome
regulations are imposed, so that while we should be the last to
stand in the way of regulations making for the safety of life at
sea we should satisfy ourselves so far as we can that a practical
limit is set on what is made compulsory.
These are considerations which should not be overlooked
The
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