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TELEPHONE
CITY 5856.
Sir,
社中英 會華商
82
2242
CHINA ASSOCIATION.
99, CANNON STREET,
LONDON, E. C. 4.
27th November, 1931
I am instructed to draw your attention to the dis-
satisfaction created in the commercial community of Hongkong
by the provision made in the Colony's Budget for 1932 for the
payment of official salaries at current rates of exchange.
The provision was strongly opposed by the Unofficial Members
of the Legislative Council, who, while agreeing to payment at
current rates, urged a reduction of sterling salaries by 10
Their opposition had the unanimous support of
per cent.
It was,
the Chamber of Commerce and the China Association.
however, ineffective, and both bodies have now requested my
Committee to make representations to you in the matter. My
Committee, after careful consideration of the facts, has
instructed me to place the views of the commercial community
of Hongkong before you.
The community considers that, having regard to the
severe commercial depression from which China, like the rest
of the world, is suffering, and in view of recent heavy in-
geases in light dues, buoy rents and rates, the taxable
capacity of the Colony ought not to be rendered liable for the
additional burden which the payment of official salaries at
current rates may cause to be placed upon it. Of the estimated
total expenditure for next year, namely $25,441,549 (excluding
22 JA
AD 21 JAN
H. M. Under Secretary of State,
Colonial Office,
Downing Street,
S. W. 1.
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