CO129-492 - Governor Sir Clementi - 1925 [12] - 1926 [1-5] — Page 484

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„21076710 (benzid)

TELEGRAM from the Governor of Hong Kong to the Secretary of State for the Clones 10093

Dated 13th May 1926.

(Received Colonial Office 10.53 ...MAX -199!

900/9667

466

Your telegram of 8 May Food requirements for Shameen communities could be met by service once or twice a week but any discontinuance of daily service to Canton at the present time would be greatly detrimental to British interests generally. Reduction of sailings would be regarded as indica- ting success of Canton Strike Committee. Trade between Canton and Hong Kong shows slight signs of improvement but would almost certainly suffer set back if daily sailings discontinued. Regular service is regarded as sign of stability of conditions in Hong Kong and of British policy. Local merchants are con- sidering the advisability of sending ocean steamer(s) to Canton at their own expense without possibility of profit merely to show the stability of local conditions and that British ships are still prepared to go to Canton. I mention this to show the importance attached locally to maintenance of prestige. I cannot too strongly deprecate discontinuance of the daily service in British interests Consul General at Canton agrees and Executive Council unanimously concurs in this message. Suggest reference to China Committee in London for their views(,) if further information required on this point.