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44.
Conclusion
detection of one of them (m.v. Chang Hsi) allegedly returning from the Philippines resulted in the seizure of large quantities of unmanifested gold and silver. On the outward voyage the vessel had carried a cargo of electrical goods, watches, textiles etc.
10. The smugglers are changing their methods as a consequence of the action of the Hong Kong Government. They are on the whole keeping within the law (though some make mistakes) and since the law as it stands does not make it an offence to smuggle goods into China, they can organise the traffic with impunity at the Hong Kong end. Because of the length of the Chinese coastline, the relative inefficiency of the Chinese Customs and the venality of some Chinese officials, shipment of the contraband into China is less of a problem.
11. alia :
If we wish to keep up the pressure, we could consider inter
(a)
scotching the so-called Tap Mun trade bycomparing deliveries with manifests;
(b)
providing the Chinese Customs with details of suspect vessels and cargoes i.e. push for the Customs liaison referred to in para 6;
it
12.
(c)
amendment of our legislation so as to relate more closely to smuggling into China. So far we have relied on legislation enacted for other pur- poses (trade statistics, safety etc) but, now that this is being complied with, it may be necessary to take other legislative steps. These could raise difficulties, including the need to rely on evidence from China and the undesirability of hampering legitimate trade and shipping.
The Ag. Commissioner for Customs and Controls will attend for this item.
Security Branch,
Government Secretariat,
Hong Kong.
CR 7/3571/80
Customs and Controls.
11th August, 1981.
CONFIDENTIAL
機密