To the Editor of the "Nonrit-Cuina Dary News"
Si—As the Chinese General Chamber of Commerce (at one time a reputable body) has now declared fan economic war against Britain fand-all things British, T suggest that we accept the challenge with stout hearts and meet them in the open with blow for blow. The following measures might be considered with that end in view.
(1) The Chinese Government (7) to- be immediately notified that Britain will not participate in the pedi other Ceateneeee: until laily supported boycott is Dublicly withdrawn and apologised for, both by that Goverament and That no further transfer of shares be pAlected in or. put of the panies until the above condition be complied with.
(2) That all dividends and monies due to Chinese by Bri Companies or individuals be paid into a common fund in the name of British Committee to be elected, in a British Bank, and held there a3 security for the performance of fan eventual agreement, for a period of, say, five years. (This would probably mean that the British {egal authorities would have promulgate "some form of Act of Indemnity Zor the Companies concerned).
(4) That insurance losses due to Chinese should be similarly treated.
(5) That-mo Chinese director be permitted to sit on the Boards of British Companies.
(6) That British goods which were not cleared by Chinese within contract time, and which now show profit, be resold for the benefit of the-British merchants concerned.
(1) That British Banks suspend all transactions forthwith with all Chinese, (8) That all services to Chinese by British Companies, such as the supply of coal, or any other material, be stopped forthwith, (9) That, by way of indemnity, the Chinese Chamba: be compelled by the Chinese Government to ship on British ships under British insurance policies, financed through British banks, a specificd quantity of British goods to various outports to be named by the British Chamder, and to be responsible for the safe distribution thereof throughout ithe interior.
(10) That no Chinese goods of any description be delivered into or out of any British wharf or godown, or carried on any British ship either on inland waters ct: overseas, except upon payment of fa fee equivalent (no more and no less) to that which it is now laid down by the various Unions shall Ibe charged upon British goods which, I understand, is at the rate of Th, 1.00 per Tls. 100 value.
(11) That an area in the Western District outside the present Settlement boundaries be set aside ax a British Cyneession for residential purposs, into which no Chinese would be permitted to enter without a pass, though it goes without saying that all other for-Jeign nationals would be welcome as residents, (12) Finally, but in_my opinion most important of all:—That each member of the Committee of the Chinese General Chamber of Commerce be immediately arrested and tried in open Court on a charge of "Conduct likely to lead to a breach of the peace of this Settlement."
Surely incitement to a boycott and strike for a period of one year justifies this charge?
Various other measures might be suggested ("Face" would seem to compel us to bring the number up to at least 13!) but the above will serve Some "war on the above lines would be cutting off our noses to spite our faces" but British prestige in the East is now being mercilessly attacked and it is up to us to defend it at all costs. In any case the effect of the Chamber's Resolution will be practically to destroy all business so that we cannot make matters much worse by doing as I suggest. The matter must be fought out ard won on the ground selected by the Chinese Chamber Jor otherwise not alone we British, [tout all foreigners will go "down and out" in China before very long.
Tam, ete, "Harris & Prove Or Ir."
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.