CO129-510-6 Rates and tariffs of Hong Kong wireless service 10-2-1928 - 8-10-1928 — Page 19

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Enclosure No.3.

campaign and also to the belief, still somewhat prevalent,

in the greater reliability of cables. The Postmaster

General of Hong Kong is not, however, in favour of a

reduction of the radio rate to Manila in the immediate

future; but he desires to be authorized to effect a

reduction later on (by agreement with the Radio Corporation)

should experience shew that the Hong Kong wireless station

is unable to retain a fair share of the traffic.

4.

If no outside established interests were

involved, I should now instruct the Hong Kong Post Office

to reduce radio rates in accordance with sound postal

practice to the lowest possible level compatible with a

reasonable return of revenue and subject of course to

reciprocal concessions from corresponding Administrations.

Cheap postal and telegraphic rates benefit commerce (the

first interest of this Colony), and I bear in mind that the

fostering of wireless may provide much needed government

revenue in the not far distant future.

5.

I am, however, aware that many other

considerations exist; and, though I wish to retain as fully

as possible the power to adjust radio rates to meet the particular requirements of the Colony, I should be glad to

have for my guidance an indication of the general policy of

the Imperial Government in commercial wireless matters. The

particular issue in this instance in respect of the Hong

Kong-Manila wireless teriff is itself comparatively

unimportant; but it is no doubt a fore-runner of many

similar issues, which will be raised in future, as the

Colony's radio service develops.

6. I take the opportunity to forward for your

information a table specifying, not only the various

commercial

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