Amongst the problems arising directly from the Shanghai incident were those connected with shipping deviated cargo, insurance and inaccessibility of godowns and stocks in the northern area, Immediately on the out local hostilities all normal bt ceased, versals in the harbour, charging or loading cargo. hurriedly tock their departure and those er route to Shanghai were diverted to other ports with the result that con siderable quantities of goods w discharged at ports of refuce from Singapore to Dairen, The problem created by thi deviated cargo was constantly before your committee, but though certain cargo urgently wanted was brought forward by coastal vessels at consignees' cost, the bulk of necessity had to remain at ports of refuge until Shanghai was declared so navigation and the load charge of ocean vessels, ports of refuge was na for which consignees wi but the question of liability for on-carrying freight from ports of discharge to Shanghai was a matter of serious moment to importers, The shipping companies have in the meantime agreed to make an all round charge of 13/6d per ton to cover ci incurred by them for landing, storing and delivering at ports of refuge and at Shanghai and including cost of reloading, no charge being made for freight from port of refuge to Shanghai, and now that ocean going v sels have resumed their normal schedules most of the deviated cargo has been brought forward, mind.
"Strife May Continue"
Since the incident in the North last Ju lities, fighting has been josses of men and equipment on both ides have been heavy, but though the Japanese are occupying very large Areas, such areas, though occupied, can hardly be regarded as conquered. and unless some reasonable and honourable and acceptable basis for peace can be formulated it would appoor that the strife may continue for a very considerable time.
Prior tò the outbreak of war there had been consistent progress made by China in the extension and improvement of her railways and highways her radio and telegraphic communications. conservancy work and general industry, while at no time had there been greater unity in the country or seemingly fairer prospects for material prosperity for harvests were good and the stability of the currency materially assisted the traders and: gave confidence to investors, but it is futile to discuss what was in being or what might have been in view of the hostilities, in Central and Northern China, which have destroyed the material
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.