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CONFIDENTIAL

Not for publication.

HONG KONG GENERAL CHAMBER OF COMMERCE.

214

REPORT ON SHIPPING AND INDUSTRIAL ACTIVITY: 17th February,

SHIPPING.

1939.

With the approach of Chins New Year, the market

generally is quieter.

The Bangkok end Saigon trades also

are affected, in some instances steamers on trip and time-

charter are securing only part cargoes.

However, a demand

is expected after the holidays. The coal trade also is

quiet.

There is no change in the China coast trades. The

tientsin market continues dull whilst practically no cargo

is offering from Chefoo & Weihaiwei to the south owing to

the "ban" on exports, etc., recently enforced by the

Japanese. Good cargoes from Tsingtao to Shanghai, whilst

the demand from Shanghai to the north and to South China

ports is fair. Good support from Hong Kong and from Swatow

to northern ports, chiefly rice, sugar, leaf fans, fresh

fruit, etc. Foochow enquiring for tonnage to lift salt to

Ningpo; nothing offering, however, to North China ports on

account of the embargo imposed by Chinese Authorities.

In spite of repeated aerial activity by the Japanese,

cargo continues to move from Pakhoi, though in smaller

quantity. The Japanese landed and captured Hoihow between

10th/11th February. It is reported

control of the Chinese Customs;

they have taken over

what effect this will have

No cargo moving

on future exports remains to be seen.

from Hoihow at present though British steamers continue to

call.

All

No change in position regarding the Canton River.

British and other foreign tonnage is excluded from trading

by the Japanese. Latest reports from Canton indicate

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