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apparently withdrew from the meeting. All the other resolutions were passed unanimously.
Though the great majority of those at the meeting did not agree with Mr. Whittall's views, the editor of the Daily Press told its readers that “it was impossible to overlook the fact spoken of by Mr. Whittall that a nation possesses a right to take steps for the protection of its revenue.”
There was little Britain could do against this, for "at the present day it has become an established principle to treat China as an equal in all matters of international law or courtesy.”
This was a principle of expediency, for in the view of the editor, "the Home authorities are alive to the importance of political complications which might arise by treating China otherwise than as an equal. The effect of which would be to relieve her from the obligation to treat us in the same way, albeit she but little acts up to her duty in this respect.”
Though admitting that as an abstract truth of principle, China might have the right to take whatever measures it might think necessary to protect its revenue in its own waters, the editor claimed, however, that “this privilege is being used to invade the independence of a friendly neighbour and of harassing and oppressing the trade of a particular port.”
A problem affecting Hongkong might be viewed differently by those concerned with protecting their local financial interests and those responsible for diplomatic relations between two nations.
BRITAIN COOL TO BLOCKADE HYSTERICS
Certain frustrations and insecurities were behind the rejection of proposals to appoint a Chinese consul in Hongkong and the indignation created by what was felt to be a blockade of Hongkong by China.
The majority of Europeans in China were there to trade and make money. China was a market to be exploited. Any hindrance
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apparently withdrew from the meeting. All the other resolutions were passed unanimously.
Though the great majority of those at the meeting did not agree with Mr. Whittall's views, the editor of the Daily Press told its readers that “it was impossible to overlook the fact spoken of by Mr. Whittall that a nation possesses a right to take steps for the protection of its revenue."
There was little Britain could do against this, for "at the present day it has become an established principle to treat China as an equal in all matters of international law or courtesy.”
This was a principle of expediency, for in the view of the editor, "the Home authorities are alive to the importance of political complications which might arise by treating China otherwise than as an equal. The effect of which would be to relieve her from the obligation to treat us in the same way, albeit she but little acts up to her duty in this respect.”
Though admitting that as an abstract truth of principle, China might have the right to take whatever measures it might think necessary to protect its revenue in its own waters, the editor claimed, however, that “this privilege is being used to invade the independence of a friendly neighbour and of harassing and op- pressing the trade of a particular port."
A problem affecting Hongkong might be viewed differently by those concerned with protecting their local financial interests and those responsible for diplomatic relations between two nations.
BRITAIN COOL TO BLOCKADE HYSTERICS
Certain frustrations and insecurities were behind the rejection of proposals to appoint a Chinese consul in Hongkong and the indignation created by what was felt to be a blockade of Hongkong by China.
The majority of Europeans in China were there to trade and make money. China was a market to be exploited. Any hindrance
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