CO129-585-5 Sino-Japanese conflict- shipping on Pearl River 3-1-1940 - 25-8-1940 — Page 101

of the type suitable for Japanese consumption, Japanese divided

pcks, sandals and so forth. It is hardly therefore a matter br surprise that purchasers are almost entirely Japanese.

4. To sum up Canton is both financially and economically in the dolarums anu the Japanese in spite of their professeu desire, which after all is only in accordance

with their own in.erests, to attract people to the city, appear to have very little idea of how to go about it and it is higly doubtful whether restricted opening of the river as proposed by them, and which appears to be imminent, will have the desired effect. In any case the principal gainers are bound to be the Japanese themselves and prospects for British firms in Cɛnton however one looks at it are extremely gloomy.

5. As a matter of interest I enclose a copy of a letter from Messrs. Jaruine Matheson & Co. Ltu. regarding operations of the tug una lighter services.

I have, etc.,

(si。nea) w. Stora Toller.

CONSUL-GENIKAL.

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