CO129-531-15 Chinese customs- proposed agreement with Hong Kong 9-7-1931 - 17-1-1932 — Page 34

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warehouses in Hongkong for goods destined for China, which

could be applied to Hongkong factories. A copy of this

document mentioned is enclosed with this letter for convenience.

The increased scale of duties now levied by China is

bound to have an adverse effect upon factories established in

Hongkong whose markets are chiefly in China. Having regard to

the fact that all local factories extensively employ Chinese

labour, and that many are financed to a great extent by Chinese

capital, the Committee is of opinion that a strong case existe

for special consideration under the China Tariff for Hongkong.

The Committee asks the Government to keep this important

matter well before His Majesty's Government and to take advan-

tage of any opportunity which may arise for an agreement between

Hongkong and China on the subject, and to secure insertion of

suitable provisions in any Commercial Treaty which may be promul-

gated between His Majesty' ន Government and the Government of

the Republic of China

The Committee would appreciate any information which the

Government may be able to give them from time to time with regard

to the matter.

I have the honour to be,

Sir,

Your obedient Servant,

(SGD).P.KEY.

Secretary.