CO129-558-11 Mission of Sir F. Leith-Ross to China- proposals for a Hong Kong - China customs... 29-9-1936 - 30-12-1936 — Page 91

C. O.

91

Mr.

Mr.

Mr.

Sir C. Parkinson.

Sir G. Tomlinson.

Sir C. Bottomley.

Sir J. Shuckburgh.

Permt. U.S. of S.

Parly. U.S. of S.

Secretary of State.

DRAFT.

proposals drew angry comment from Canton

during the Commission's investigations,

on the grounds that they would "hinder

the development of agriculture, industries

and commerce, increase the dumping of

foreign goods and end in economic

bankruptcy".

An article according "national"

status to Hong Kong manufacturers was

inserted by Hong Kong Government in the

draft Customs Agreement discussed above;

but was opposed by the Chinese authorities

and did not find a place in the final

draft which was nearly ratified. The

FURTHER ACTION.

matter, though important, is not to

nearly the same degree as commerce and

shipping; though it should be borne in

mind and on no account be permitted to

prejudice the success of negotiations

intended to consolidate and promote trade,

as such. It is the latter which gives

Hong Kong its prosperity and its

importance