CO129-592-10 Future Policy in Hong Kong- Port Administration 10-4-1946 - 15-4-1947 — Page 59

MANSION HOUSE 3041.

Dear Mayle,

anid ty

Port Dues, Hong Kong

8 BILLITER SQUARE,

E.C.3.

6th November 1946

59

We hear from B. & S. Hong Kong that port dues in Hong Kong are to be raised to 1941 basis plus 50%. We appreciate the

extra costs of all departments of administration and on those

grounds would not quarrel with the increase that has been made.

But we feel bound to point out the importance to Hong Kong's economy and to the Colony's successful rehabilitation, of adhering

strictly to the principle that all port charges are kept at the cheapest level, even if on strict costing they may not be economic If the ships do not come to Hong Kong the whole foundation of

the Colony's prosperity will disappear. This has been a truism

for 100 years and it scarcely needs repetition; but we trust

that the Colonial Office will keep it permanently in mind and aim at a reduction of the port dues to the 1941 level at the

earliest possible moment.

N.L.Mayle Esq.,

Colonial Office,

Downing Street, S.W. 1

Yours sincerely,