Memorandum on the "Hongkong Blockade" for the information of
Governor Sir George Bowen, G.C.M.G.
By Mr. Justice Russell.
What is termed the Blockade of Hongkong" had its origin in 1868, when the Viceroy of the Two Kwang, commonly called the Viceroy of Canton, established at Fat-tau Chau and Ch'éung-chau, the two Chinese Islands at the East and West entrances of the Harbour, Stations for the collection of lekin, or "War-tax" on Opium. The Viceroy complained to Her Majesty's Consul at Canton, the late Sir BROOKE ROBERTSON, that Opium was smuggled in great quantities into the Province, and that he was unable to collect the lekin, which it was his duty to collect. In answer to certain proposals, the Consul informed him that he had a complete right to establish Stations on the confines of British territory, and to overhaul every Chinese junk which left Hongkong. Consequently the Stations at the East and West entrances of the Harbour were put up in 1868—and Cruisers were attached to them to overhaul junks leaving the port, and compel the payment of the lekin tax, which no doubt had been often evaded.
2. The Hoppo, or Hai-kwan, as he is sometimes called, and who is charged with the collection in the Kwang Tung Province of "Regular Duties" of a Maritime Customs nature, on cargo shipped in Chinese as opposed to Foreign ships, seeing the success of the Viceroy's scheme, asked Sir BROOKE ROBERTSON if he also might establish Stations at the same points for the collection of Customs dues, both on exports from China and imports to it leaving Hongkong. The Consul approved of his suggestion. The Hoppo then ordered some powerful Steam-Cruisers and numerous Steam-Launches, and these with the Sailing Cruisers of the Stations, in conjunction with the Viceroy's Flotilla, overhauled all Chinese vessels entering and leaving the Harbour of Hongkong. A third Station was subsequently established at K'ap-shui Mun, at the entrance of the Canton River.
3. The Hoppo began to collect at these Stations in 1874. (See Consul's despatch to the Governor of 20th June, 1874, enclosing new Regulations). Before then it was necessary to obtain for dutiable goods leaving Hongkong in Junks what is called a "Grand Chop," and "Junks from various Prefectures when voyaging to Canton obtained 'Chops' from the ports in the neighbourhood of such Prefectures. Those going to out-ports either obtained their 'Grand Chop' at Canton or at the various ports of Kwang Tung."
4. To the honest trader this old system was obviously a great inconvenience, while the dishonest trader could easily evade the payment of duties, as there was no well organised preventive service. The Hoppo and Viceroy therefore agreed that duties might be col- lected and “Grand Chops" issued at the Viceroy's Stations East and West of the Harbour. And in June, 1874, a proclamation was issued ordering junk owners to pay duties at Ch'éung-chau or Fat-tau Chau, on exports to and on imports from Hongkong.