( 11 )
(6.) If, after a seizure has been effected by the new Station, a complaint is lodged with the Hongkong Authorities, or if the Junk belongs to Hongkong, in which event, notice shall be given to the Hongkong Government by the Station, it shall be competent for the Colonial Government to appoint an officer to proceed to the Station to make inquiries, and in conjunction with the deputy or deputies, to summon witnesses and jointly investigate the matter and settle it on a fair basis. If the Hongkong Official cannot agree with the officer or officers of the new Station, each must report the matter to the Hongkong Government and Viceroy respectively, with a view to settlement through the medium of the British Consul at Canton. The decision in every case shall be recorded and published.
(7.) There shall be published a tariff of all dues and duties leviable on goods exported or imported in Chinese junks, and at what other places and to whom to be paid, besides the new Customs Station.
(8.) That no duties shall be levied by any monopolist, such as that of coast defences, but only by responsible Officials of the Chinese Government under the new duty Station; and that if it is proved that either illegal or excessive duties have been levied by the Officials at any collectorate, the Chinese Government will refund, and dismiss or otherwise punish the offenders.
(9.) The Chinese Government should also guarantee that no further levies shall be made at the port of destination after obtaining the "Grand Chop" and that any official demanding extra dues at the port of entry shall be punished.
(10.) The Hongkong Government will undertake on its part to give all the support it can to assist the Chinese Government in giving effect to these rules for obtaining its legitimate revenue, but it cannot permit the cap- ture in or carrying away of any Junks from its waters.
39. It will be seen that I suggest that all taxes should be collected at the new duty Station, and that the Englishman should not be subordinate to, but of co-ordinate rank with the Chinese deputy. I think these are, necessary changes in Sir BROOKE ROBERTSON's first requirement. As to the 3rd proposal, it is now the custom for certain well-known trading junks to be guaranteed, and they are thus allowed to pass the Stations without coming to. The 4th proposal is a combination of the 3rd and 4th propositions of the Hongkong Basis. The 5th gives effect to the views of Sir Arthur KENNEDY and Sir BROOKE ROBERTSON. The 6th is a combination of Sir BROOKE's and the Hongkong Government 6th proposals. The 7th is most essential. The 8th and 9th proposals should be strongly pressed, otherwise any agreement to have duties collected at the new Station would be simply agreeing to pay so much more. How the Government will assist is a matter of detail, but it has the machinery ready, and only requires a short decla- ratory Ordinance to apply it,
Hongkong, 26th August, 1883.
J. RUSSELL.