CO129-571-16 New Territories 13-4-1938 - 12-12-1938 — Page 137

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11.

12.

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(2)

(3)

13.

Government which could, presumably, impose customs dues

upon all goods entering their territorial waters.

Chinese customs control.

Assuming for the sake of argument that in 1997 the whole

of the leased area were to revert to China the collection

of Chinese customs dues would become difficult, if not

impossible. It would, for example, be necessary for a

customs barrier to be established along the streets that would

divide British and Chinese territories. Politically and

administratively the situation thus created would be bound

to lead to incessant friction between the two administrations.

Production.

Food.

The Colony of Hong Kong is increasingly dependent for

its fresh vegetables and its fish supply upon the farmers and

fishermen of the mainland and neighbouring islands. The

productivity of both is, as yet, largely undeveloped and

could be greatly enlarged by proper instruction and demonstrat-

ion.

Milk and meat supplies could also be obtained in much

larger quantities from the leased areas by the same methods.

At the present time Hong Kong is much too dependent upon

Kwangtung Province for its meat and vegetables.

Forest Products.

These, though not commercially important, have a value

and in an emergency might be extremely useful.

Mining is of little importance at the present time.

Investment of capital.

Even with the expiry of the lease distant by sixty

years uncertainty as to the future is beginning to be

spoken of. As that date draws nearer its deterrent effect will grow rapidly. Nor is this true only of the leased

capital values in the Colony proper will inevitably

areas;