473
On the whole, I am inclined
to think that Mr Burt's
connection with the scheme
would probably ensure better
terms in relation
to a complete withdrawal
of the Blockade and
to the
observance of all stipulations
entered into by
the Hoppo,
and that it would
generally strengthen the position of the Hong Kong Government.
The Chinese Government having placed in the hands of foreigners the collection of their Customs Revenues under the name of Foreign Inspectorate, it seems to me that there is nothing derogatory in the Government of Hong Kong availing itself of the services of that Establishment to carry out a scheme of which the sole object is to protect the Chinese Revenue.
The proposed arrangement could be placed on such a footing as to obviate any semblance of surrender by the Colonial Government of its supremacy or of the freedom of trade within its territory - for the establishment of a "Special Station" of the Foreign Inspectorate in Hong Kong must of necessity be sanctioned